It gives me great pleasure to announce the completion of our main military objectives in our effort to secure Mexico as an integral part of the Republic of Texas. Our Armed Forces have captured and secured most of Mexico including the capital, Mexico City. All that remains is to secure Baja California and the Yucatan Peninsula and to neutralise the threat posed by the rebel Mexican Popular Resistance.

Throughout the entirety of the war and invasion, I gave firm orders that our military and security operations be done in such a way as to minimise civilian casualties and to minimise damage and disruption to infrastructure and heavily populated areas. I have also given firm orders to our Armed Forces that they respect and uphold the civil rights of the people of Mexico and that they treat them with the upmost respect.

To the rebels of the Mexican Popular Resistance, I make the offer of an amnesty to any rebel who lays down their arms. In return for choosing peace over fighting, you would be free to live as a civilian again.

By Presidential decree I hereby declare that the People's Republic of Mexico be dissolved and annexed into the Republic of Texas.

I would like to end this address with a tribute to our brave and heroic Armed Forces. The Texan people and I are both eternally grateful to our soldiers and we must never forget the sacrifices they make in service to our Republic.

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Texas

Admiral Amadeus Thomas

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:"The imperialist actions of the Texan government do not surprise us in the Legion.With this call we summon forth all the progressive allies of the world to come together and crush this blatant act of conquest;liberate Mexico and overthrow Admiral Amadeus Thomas." -Legion of Steel Fists Declaration.

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:Legion of Steel Fists News: Food for the Oppressed,Oil for the Enslaved

"AS part of the LSF new confrontation against the Texan government Legion agents have rekindled their war against the fascist nature of the Texan regime.

All throughout the Texan Republic our foot soldiers have initiated armed conflict with the now low garrisoned Texan reserve.Heated fire fights have broken out in Dallas,Houston,Arlen,Spree,Nonvi,and dozens of other cities.In addition to these actions LSF agents have detonated hundreds of car bombs outside police and army stations.In one large explosion the central army barracks in Dallas was blown to cinders killing thousands..."

Le Socialiste wrote:What little hope we had in the new Texan government has been dashed by Admiral Thomas' actions in Mexico. We condemn the annexation of Mexico by the Texan military and demand that all foreign troops on Mexican soil return to their prior stations. We also ask that the previous borders be reinstated and that the Texan Republic provide compensation for the damages and loss of being life it caused. If Mr. Thomas and his administration refuses to abide by these demands, the Technocratic Union of Marispatria will be forced to consider other options. The annexation of a sovereign nation is unnacceptable, especially when waged under the pretense of "freedom" and "democracy." If the Texan Republic does not pull back behind its old borders, we will have to take into consideration the fact that the N. American continent is not stable enough to manage its own affairs diplomatically and peacefully, which would inevitably entail an expansion of the Occupied Zone.

The Glorious Union of Vancouver hereby tenders a request for admittance into the Interplanetary Council for Revolution, and we would like it known that our first recommendation as an ICR member would be action against the Republic of Texas for the invasion and occupation of the Peoples' Republic of Mexico.

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:Secret Communique: SPOD

"Why have the Legion abandoned us in our time of need?! They withdraw their forces to the CSA during the most important act of imperialism and they still try and pass themselves off as revolutionaries? FOOLISH!"

"Calm down Henry, we have good intelligence to suggest more is happening than we are aware; our agents have discovered that several large Legion cells have remained behind.Their intent is unknown but we would be fools to say that they have forsaken us..."

Le Socialiste wrote:The Technocratic Union of Marispatria would like to voice its support for Vancouver's bid to join the ICR, as well as back its call for concerted action against Texan imperialism. The liberation of Mexico is of utmost importance to the Marispatrian leadership and the members of the ICR. If Texas does not pull back within the year, we will be forced to consider further action.

On a related note, I would like to arrange a formal meeting between myself and Vancouver's leadership - in the interest of establishing diplomatic ties and discussing matters of importance shared by our respective states. I look forward to the country's answer.

Is there any reason to suppose that the Republic of Texas is anything more than some type of expansionist military junta? Those kind of things never end well.

Well done to all those settling the frontiers of known space. There's been a growing interest in extraterrestrial worlds here in New England as well, and our scientists and engineers are looking into our options.

Interesting times indeed.

President Kristina Caitlin Brody,Democratic Republic of New England

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

To: Chancellor of the Technocratic Union of Marispatria, Jákup Ondřej

Mr. Chancellor, due to the gravity of the situation I am going to have to be very direct with you.

The prime motive in my decision to authorise the invasion and annexation of Mexico is Marispatria. Over the course of this century your nation, already a huge and rich power, has embarked on a massive campaign of military and economic expansion. Normally this would in no way be a problem, as every nation has the right to develop itself and build a strong military. In the case of your nation, it is different. Recent articles from your nations own press have highlighted a trend of expansionism within the Marispatrian leadership.

I would like to highlight several points made in an article by Abdal Hakim in The Monitor:

The fact that the Ondřej administration has put the present policy under consideration is noteworthy in and of itself, something which previous leaders—until now—refused to do for fear of upsetting what has become an unofficial peace between Marispatria and its Federationist neighbor. Yet the move isn’t quite out of character, reflecting what many have deemed a rising confidence in the Marispatrian leadership. For all its spoken disdain for titles, ceremonial pleasantries, and militarism, the country still must address centuries of geopolitical needs and necessities—something which the Marispatrian leadership has sought to suppress for years. Its Extropian ideals notwithstanding, Marispatria is slowly coming to terms with what it must (and can) do in order to ensure its place at the center of global progress; last night’s meeting on the issue of the country’s noninvolvement in Pan-Asian affairs represents the beginning of the end for Marispatrian isolationism.

Chief General Tsaro and Chief of Defense Haroun, two of the top military advisors to the Chancellor, are widely seen as proponents for greater Marispatrian involvement in interplanetary affairs. Both beings have seen significant growth in their ability to influence affairs both within the country and abroad, brought on by the Chancellor’s push to triple the military’s size by 2110.

Should the Union get involved, it will undoubtedly set in motion an escalating series of hot and cold battles for social, political, and economic supremacy, with the victor emerging as the sole hegemonic force on the continent—and quite possibly the planet. All this remains speculation for now, but recent events show the faintest of stirrings in the Marispatrian leadership, the likes of which could evolve into a full on bid for full command and authority of the world and solar system. Such a route must be navigated carefully however, as the road towards power is filled with dangers and sudden turns. Nevertheless, a centuries-old sense of urgency has begun to grip the upper echelons of Marispatrian society, one which will propel it on into the future and the acceptance of its geopolitical reality.

These points do fall into line with the tone of your own speeches and public addresses. If you and those around you plan to make a Marispatrian ruled world a reality, then you must accept another reality. That all other nations will do whatever it takes to ensure their own national survival and the protection and defence of their own peoples. This is especially true of the smaller nations, who will fall prey to your plans with far greater ease than the more fortunate larger powers.

I have also noticed that your nation has now embarked on establishing it's first space colony, right next to ours on Mars. I am sure that your choice of location was no mere accident.

The situation is this simple. My advisors and I consider Marispatria to be a long term existential threat to our own nation and people. Your nations actions and its declarations point towards a policy of assimilating the nations of the world and the solar system into your own. This is a direct threat to Texas and lives of it's people and it was for this very reason that I decided to secure a future for Texas by annexing Mexico. We are a small nation when compared to yours, thus expansion was the only choice I had left. The alternative, the extinction of our nation and it's people, is no alternative.

If it is true your intentions are for a Marispatrian world, then you will see sense in the view my government and I hold about Marispatria's long term goals, for they would be based on a truth you yourself accept. You would then also see sense in the view I hold that your long term plans constitute a direct existential threat to Texas.

If your nation is willing to address the threats and problems posed by it's geopolitical plans, then Texas would be willing to agree to your demands with respect to our withdrawl from Mexico.

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Texas

Admiral Amadeus Thomas

Le Socialiste wrote:Admiral Thomas,

I too have seen and read the article put out by The Monitor, which - while interesting in its analysis of our country's military policy - couldn't be further from the truth. The Chancellery isn't responsible for what private media decides to publish, nor does it endorse the views of such journals. Our military has always remained a defensive force, save for those instances in which its prowess was needed. We have no love for violence or militarism, and have been ever vigilant against those forces which exhibit imperialist ambition.

It pains me to hear you consider our nation to be a long term threat to your sovereignty. Rest assured, we have no interest in invading your borders. Therefore, your willingness to enter Mexico is unfounded, and stands shakily on its own fragile footing. As for our colony on Mars, we chose its location due to its placement on higher ground making it easily defendable in the event of outside aggression. The plains are of little use to us, and the hills and mounts of Mars are few and far between. It's location has little to do with your colonization efforts. We won't interefere with your nation's plans so long as you don't interfere with ours. Our interest in expanding our borders is bound to the democratic will of the people who choose to enter into it. We have never invaded another nation with the intent of annexing it. Such policies have and always will be the foundation of our foreign policy.

Sincerely yours,

Chancellor Jákup Ondřej

Geiseric wrote:The Peoples Republic of South America would like to make it known that any encroachment any further south than the southern tip of mexico will be seen as a war of aggression against the People's Republic, and there will be repercussions.

This being said, we are open from Mexican and Texan solutions to this problem we have.

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:CSA Intelligence Report

"I have seen the statistics sire and they are troubling to say the least.Holes in our border fence suggest that during the course of the last few weeks as many as 45,000 emigrants have illegally crossed our borders.Our military analysis suggest that a great number of combatants are mixed in with the refugees.What these armed lifeforms intend to begin is unknown but I would suggest increased surveillance and increased combat patrols..."

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

I hereby declare the annexation of the People's Republic of Mexico to be null and void.

I hereby order that the Texan Armed Forces begin their complete and total withdrawl from Mexico, this order is to take immediate effect.

It is now clear that as your President I have failed you, the citizens of Texas. My policies have brought our nation to the brink of a global war and for that very reason these are the last two orders I shall give as President as I am left with no other honorable choice but to resign my office.

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Texas

Admiral Amadeus Thomas

Mather wrote:Reuters News Bulletin

BREAKING NEWS

Texan military regime falls as Texan occupation of Mexico comes to an end

Admiral Amadeus Thomas and Sebastian de Acosta leave for exile in the Confederate States of America

Michael Bauer returns to the presidency as the Texan Superme Court reinstates the pre-coup constitutional order

Earlier this morning, Admiral Thomas gave his last official statement as President of Texas. After giving orders for the immediate withdrawl of Texan troops form Mexico, the Admiral resigned his office as President. Within a couple of hours of the statement being released both Admiral Thomas and former prime minister de Acosta left Texas on board a chartered plane and have now landed in the CSA where they have been exiled to.

Upon hearing of the resignation of Admiral Thomas, the Supreme Court of Texas met in session to declare the military coup that brought Admiral Thomas to power illegal and unconsitutional. With this verdict, the Supreme Court voids all laws, policies and decisions made by the former military regime. As a result the office of the prime minister has been abolished and the pre-coup presidential system has been restored.

The Supreme Court then swore in Michael Bauer and Nicolas Van Alden as president and vice president.

After meeting with the Justices of the Supreme Court, President Bauer gave a short speech. In his speech President Bauer said that the de-escalation of the international crisis caused by the Texan invasion of Mexico would be his governments first and most urgent priority. President Bauer also addressed the issue of the non-human population of Texas as the previous military regime abolished the policies of Apartness and human supremacy. President Bauer said that he would soon offer his view as to how best to move forward with this issue, but has for the time being reinstated the previous pre-coup laws concerning the separation of the races and limiting political and voting rights to humans.

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:Internet Muse

"It appears as once more we are placed in the very same position as we once were.I fear for life: I fear for equality" -Line popular among liberal forum dwellers concerning the laws reinstating Apartness.

Mather wrote:Texan Broadcasting Corporation News

President Michael Bauer has announced that Texas will hold presidential and legislative elections next year.

With the end of military rule and the restoration of democracy, President Bauer made a point that elections were needed to restore stability to Texas. The President also said that his government will get down to the task of improving national security in response to the threat of terrorism and to tackle the economic crisis by focusing on creating jobs and economic growth.

One of the Antarctic Coalition's perimeter bases for their Terra Sirenum Mars colony

The Antarctic Coalition has established its first extraterrestrial colony on Mars, based in Terra Sirenum, in what many confirm as a Rush on Mars as interest in colonising the planet picks up. In a recent press conference the President of the Democratic Republic of New England announced the polity's intention to establish settlements off the surface of the Earth, although they stated that they were still exploring their options as to location.

The Pan-Asian Terraformation Fleet has come under attack from the NeoSocialist colony of Maat Mons as they defend what they say is their home against callous intruders. Despite hundreds of vessels being downed by the NeoSocialists' relatively small fleets, thousands more continue their work changing the atmosphere of Venus.

AMERICAS

Admiral Thomas and de Acosta Resign After Mexico Pullout

President Bauer on his return to the capital, Austin

After ignominiously pulling Texan forces out of Mexican territory, Admiral Amadeus Thomas and former Prime Minister Sebastian de Acosta tendered their resignations and fled to the Confederate States of America. Their government was dissolved immediately by the Justices of the Supreme Court and the previous Bauer government and presidency reinstated.

AFRICA

Free Republic of Congo Declares Independence After Referendum

A new polity has formed as the Free Republic of Congo declares its independence from the Cameroon Pact after a referendum in which some observers have noticed evidence of voter fraud. Mere hours after the result was announced, a new government was formed by a group calling itself the Party of the New Republic and Odilon Leclerc named as President.
A Cameroon Pact Authority spokesbeing was furious "We have serious evidence here of foul play of the dirtiest kind, followed by a thinly-veiled coup. Rest assured this will receive a response"

EURASIA-PACIFIC

Riots in Karachi over Afghan treatment

Riots have broken out in the Pan-Asian city of Karachi after recordings of atrocities committed by Pan-Asian security forces in Afghanistan were released on Pan-Asian video sharing nets. Although the authorities acted quickly to remove all copies they could find, it was not long before anger built up enough for riots to break out, with citizens attacking police stations and military checkpoints. With many Pakistan residents having friends and relatives over the border in Afghanistan but having no reliable means of contacting them due to the Pan-Asian government's embargo of all communications following the start of the unrest in Afghanistan, feelings on the issue are said to have been brewing for years.

Pan-Asia also suffered attacks on its road and rail networks in the Malay Peninsula, with railways crossings and bridges targeted. Claiming responsibility was a pro-Indonesian insurgent group Against the Megastructure, a group of humanistic Preservationists.

Following a referendum which saw the people of the occupied Congo province declare against further presence in the Cameroon Pact, the leaders of the liberation movement declared a new state with its capital at Brazzaville. The former masters from the Cameroon Pact have decried the results as wrought with fraud and have pledged to 'resolve' the crisis.

Speaking to the Supreme People's Council, President Lumumba lauded the results of the referendum seeing it as the 'first step' in finally ending the division of the Congo region. Lumumba blasted the 'imperialists' in the Cameroon Pact, chiding them for their refusal to recognize the results and in his words, 'acting like children' when the people of the Congo refused their governance any longer.

It is widely believed that President Lumumba will meet with his counterpart President Odilon Leclerc to reach an agreement on trade and more importantly, security arrangements with the budding new republic. President Lumumba however avoided questions on the question of the annexation of the young Republic into the Greater Congo, an issue he had made of paramount importance as he nears the end of his second, and last, six year term as President of the republic.

Other countries on the African continent have yet to respond to the emerging situation in Africa. It is known that more than likely the West African Convergence and the South African Accord will support the Greater Congo in its ambitions, though nations like the Khartoum Confederation and the Malagasy Nanotopia may seek to exploit the tensions in their favor, especially after the conflicts over the madverts and the failed rebellion respectively.

However the results of the new republic have already made its impacts felt. Defying still active restrictions on movements on the Congo River, hundreds of Kinshasa citizens made their way across the river to Brazzaville to visit a city they had only formerly been restricted to see from afar. Others though have other intentions in mind, with some commenting that they are coming to 'stand' with their fellow workers against Pact aggression.

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:"The actions of the Texan government have surprised the world.First they invade their neighbor under the pretense of 'national survival' then,as quickly as they invade,they withdraw and the leadership flees to the CSA.I wonder what is happening in the world power structure to permit such a event...." -Letter fragment sent to right-wing groups via an anonymous sender.

Mather wrote:Reuters News Bulletin

Texan general election now underway

Political campaigning is now underway in Texas as the country is set to hold it's first elections since the 2107 military coup.

Much like the 2100 elections which brought President Michael Bauer to power, this years elections are being contested by Human National Party and the opposition Federalist Party. All three hundered seats in the House of Representatives and the one hundered seats in the Senate are all up for grabs but polling agencies and analysts predict big wins for the HNP and President Bauer.

Speaking to supporters at a HNP election rally, President Bauer set out his agenda for his next presidential term.

"As we cast our eyes to the future we must also look back and reflect upon the past, for the past holds lessons that need to be learnt if we are to avoid the mistakes that were made. As we put the awful chapter that was the Thomas dictatorship behind us, we must now account for ourselves and work hard to restore the good reputation of our Republic and to reaffirm our Republic as a democratic and peaceful one.

Over the course of the next term, I will make good on my promise to have Texas become an active and constructive member of the international community and to ease the diplomatic tensions that were so sadly established by the Thomas dictatorships invasion of Mexico. I will also use the term ahead to re-establish our Republic as the leading economic power of North America and to quickly resolve the economic crisis our Republic suffers from, a crisis I would like to add that was entirely the fault of the Thomas dictatorship.

I am confident that we will overcome these challenges and that in the end, our Republic will come out more united and stronger and more at peace with itself and the wider international community."

Elsewhere in Texas, a series of protests were held against the elections as only humans can vote in Texas. Mechanoids, hybrids and humans came out in reasonable numbers to protest against the government's human supremacist policies. Their main demand is that Admiral Thomas decree abolishing human supremacy be reinstated and that they be allowed to participate in the democratic process.

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:"I have no doubt that the Diversity Union is looking to start a war;they take their cues from the Legion and they have shown themselves to be battle hardened revolutionaries.Even though they fight for a progressive cause we cannot aid them.The election is quickly approaching and we need all of our resources here,in Texas,not far away in the CSA abetting some neo-primitist fantasy." -leaked SPOD phone call.

Mather wrote:

Office of the Electoral Commission of the Republic of Texas

It has come to our attention that the organisation known as Synthetic Path Organic Destiny is seeking to participate in the upcoming elections.

Under existing anti-terrorism and public order legislation, the SPOD is classified as a domestic militant group thus the SPOD is ineligible to stand in these elections.

The SPOD is also a multi-racial organisation and under existing Texan law, only mono-racial parties and organisations can stand in elections. This is done to ensure the protection of human rights and that the democratic process remains open to human participation.

Chief Executive Officer of the Electoral Commission

Howard Volt

The South Pacific Alliance has been discussing its options with regards to the Republic of Texas extending full rights to their non-human citizens. We would like to make an offer to Texas, and we also invite all NeoSocialist and Extropian polities to help make it happen. The terms of the Agreement are thus:

We the Undersigned agree to the following:

1. The Republic of Texas is to grant full rights and citizenship to all non-human residents.

2. The Republic of Texas is to grant guaranteed passage to any destination subject to Clause 3 in the Sol system to any of its non-human residents who request it.

i) The Republic of Texas is not to compel or pressure any non-human to emigrate.

ii) Potential emigres are free to change their minds at any time they remain within Texan borders.

3. Polities which sign under this Clause agree to receive any such non-human passengers from Texas as laid out in Clause 2.

Signatories:

[]

4. This Agreement is to be undertaken freely by all parties subject to any and all terms and conditions contained herein.

i) While it is in force no polity subject to this Agreement is to undertake covert or overt military action against one another.

ii) The entire Agreement is understood to be rendered null and void if any terms are violated by any parties.

The Undersigned,

We hope that in the event that Texas or any other polity finds issue with this offer, we can discuss the matter diplomatically. Otherwise, we would be happy to discuss the matter of where to sign the Agreement.

Arana Harmonic Process
Sortitional SpokesbeingSouth Pacific Alliance

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

To: Chancellor of the Technocratic Union of Marispatria, Jákup Ondřej

It is my understanding that you received a letter from the former dictator, Admiral Thomas. Having read this letter myself I must state that the tone and content of this letter is in no way the official or unofficial position of my government. I would also ask that no one think ill of Texas or it's people based upon the irrational actions of this dictator.

I also remember the former dictator writing something along the lines of your Martian colonisation efforts being a ploy to encircle our own Martian colony. Again this is not my position or that of my government's.

However, I would like to make this point.

The Texan colonisation of Mars was and is my main flagship project. It is the legacy I wish to leave for all Texans, now and in the far future. My original plan was to colonise the entire planet, save for the Federation of Martian Communes. My originial plan also proposed that upon our colony being built, Texas would then terraform Mars in order to make it more suitable for human colonisation.

Of course I understand that being the nearest and most suitable planet for colonisation, a 'Mars Rush' of nations colonising the planet was and is now inevitable. I see that the year after Marispatria set foot on Mars, we were both joined by the Antarctic Coalition. I also have good intelligence that the Democratic Republic of New England will in all likelihood choose Mars for their colonisation programme.

It is now very clear that unless some structure is established to manage this rush of colonisers, chaos could ensue. Would your nation be open towards establishing an organisation that represents all Martian powers, be they native or colonial? I would also like to seek out the Marispatrian response to our offer to terraform Mars so that our peoples my prosper and flourish there?

Whilst I can forsee grave problems with Clause 1 of this Agreement, I shall nonetheless have this draft of the Agreement sent to the House Committee for analysis and debate.

Please take into account that our Republic is in the middle of a general election and so most of my staff and most members of the House of Representatives are away from their desks campaigning in their localities.

Upon the conclusion of our elections next year, my administration will offer our response.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:*Video footage of a SPOD rally*

It is a bright,sunny day as tens-of-thousand of machines,humans and hybrids peacefully take to the streets.Among the mass of lifeforms a multitude of banners can be seen;demands to end the military industrial complex, full citizenship for non-humans,and various other equality causes can be seen written over various signs.Many of these people have come out to demand SPOD's entrance into the general elections.

Among the crowds can be seen purple garbed individuals.These people,at first,remain peaceful,yet as the day's events go on and the Texan police become more belligerent, these purple men spring into action;in seconds they display their power and thrash the police guard sending them spiraling into a nearby brick wall.After this point the entire demonstration breaks down into general chaos and among the new destructive clamor a single chant can be hear: 'death to Michael Bauer!'

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:Legion of Steel Fist: Press Release

"It pains us to hear that the racist government of Michael Bauer has yet to submit to the demands of the people.The most recent decision to bar SPOD's entry into the general elections is an obvious sign of weakness;had Mr.Bauer's state been as strong as he would like the world to believe he would have no trouble allowing SPOD to participate.

However,such is not the case.

Instead of allowing for free elections Mr.Bauer has refused to allow in opposition parties for the sole reason that such adversaries would trump his supremacist groups.Poll after poll indicates that the average Texan wishes for a more inclusive society.Yet Bauer rejects this demand and acts as his predecessor.

In retaliation for this blatant act of bigotry our elite teams have detonated car bombs within what were previously secure military installations.On top of the bombs we have also taken several H.N.P members hostage.Until Bauer reverses his decision in regards to allowing SPOD to partake in this election nonsense these four officials will be in our hands.

Mr.President:you have a week,if you fail to change course and allow free elections these officials of your Human Supremacist party will be executed."

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

Once again, we are shown the barbaric depths to which the Legion of Steel Fists is prepared to sink to in their quest to sow chaos.

The LSF seems to be in ignorance of the proposed agreement put forth by the South Pacific Alliance. In good faith, I promised to consider this agreement and have submitted this agreement to the House of Representatives for analysis and consideration.

The LSF also seems to be in ignorance of our constitution and the democratic procedure, though being a violent terrorist group this should come as no surprise. I am not a dictator thus I cannot just abolish our constitution or make changes to it at will. I may be the President but I am bound by the constitution, by the House of Representatives and the Senate. I am also, most importantly, bound to the democratic will of the citizens of Texas and it is they who I must answer to.

Does the LSF really think it prudent to for me to simply uproot our constitution and political process in dictatorial fashion right in the middle of an election campaign?

I urge the citizens of Texas and the international community to stand with us in the face of the terrorist threat of the LSF so that justice prevails over chaos.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

To: The Antarctic Coalition

My administration wishes to develop a working relationship with the Antarctic Coalition, given that your nation has now starting building it's colony on Mars.

Given that they too are now a Martian power, I have already put forth a proposal to the Technocratic Federation of Marispatria that those powers who have a base on Mars, be they native or colonial, work to develop an organisational structure to collectively manage the affairs of Mars.

It is also the intended policy of my administration to begin terraforming Mars upon the completion of the construction of our colony. What is the position of your nation with regards to terraforming Mars?

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Kamos wrote:Article from the regional newspaper The Tasmanian Devil

As we all know, two days ago Director Wei Mu-sheng proclaimed that "the Free State of Afghanistan has suffered too much Pan-Asian oppression lately" and that "the Federation needs to put an end to their terror and to solve the Afghani question through negotiation". Although the Director is justified in demanding the right of national self-determination to be given to the Afghani people, one cannot help but wonder about how consequent he is in his foreign politics. Why is it that after years of isolation, failing to speak out against the Texan aggression against Mexico, he now feels compelled to be the champion of justice in Central Asia? Once again, the two-faced structure of the Eco-Technate is apparent. On the outside, the Technate may be a utopia, free for all people from all parts of the Universe, with the people's will being sacred. While the world sees this, in the inside, the Technocratic Council, a secretive clique of shady elements pulls the strings. What is the Director doing? I do not know, and I bet no more than 3 people in the entire country know. These are the same 3 people that have been in charge of the country since 2105.
While Mu-sheng, Morozov and Sandberg are up to some devious plan, the people of Australia suffer for it. Industry has been neglected, and now, in the 22nd century, we are forced to experience something that Australia hasn't known for decades: shortages of certain items. All around Tasmania it has become really hard to acquire fishing vessels as ship construction has been shifted to the mainland for some unknown purpose. A truly amazing concept, indeed, considering that the Eco-Technate isn't lacking in anything: raw materials, mechanoid workforce, everything is available. So where is the economic power of the Eco-Technate of Australia going? Only we, the people themselves, can find out. We must call the Council to account for its deeds - indeed, we must question the purpose of the Council in itself. Why is there a need for an "inner circle" of barely accountable, powerful oligarchs in a modern, 22nd century state? Ask yourself these questions, dear reader, and draw the conculsion for yourself.

The Republic of Texas has been offered an Agreement, as yet unnamed, that the South Pacific Alliance clearly hopes will bring about both full rights for all citizens as well as the fulfillment a central Human National Party ideological tenet - a human-only nation.

If Texas simply rejects the offer outright then they risk spoiling what little favour they have in the eyes of the rest of the Solar system. Texas has an opportunity here to improve its image by being seen to be willing to negotiate with the Solar community, which will further distance the current Texan regime from the former Amadeus government.

Whether or not Texas takes up the offered Agreement, the South Pacific Alliance is not concerned with directing violence against Texas. Rather, the SPA has a genuine interest in defusing the North American situation in their favour, with many analysts saying that the within the SPA geopolitical zeitgeist there is a majority opinion that there are ultimately bigger and more important issues facing the world community, especially since the Pan-Asian Federation commenced terraforming the planet Venus without consulting Maat Mons.

In addition to a firm commitment to a state of entente between NeoSocialist and Extropian polities, the South Pacific Alliance assemblies have also discussed the possibility of mutually beneficial agreements with other Preservationist polities, especially Greater Indonesia, as there is a suspicion that recent Pan-Asian economic development presages increasing militarism on their part.

In offering up this Agreement, the South Pacific Alliance displays a clear preference for soft power, leaving the big guns for larger targets. Whether this attempt to sanitise international relations as well as improve the rights of non-human citizens across the Solar system will bear fruit depends entirely on the Bauer government's willingness to compromise and offer dialogue, or whether they will react with a stiff-necked indifference to the opinion of the rest of the world.

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

TOP SECRET

To: Mercury Resource Energy Collective

The Republic of Texas would be very interested in purchasing some anti-matter. This purchase would aid us in a vital area of scientific research that our Republic is currently conducting.

Please inform us on which method of payment you would prefer.

I would also ask that we keep our communication and any possible purchase of anti-matter strictly confidential. As you may well know, our nation suffers greatly from the scourge of terrorism thus the confidentiality of this deal is vital to ensure that this situation is not one that terrorist groups could exploit.

I await your response and look forward to doing business with you.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Red Commissar wrote:===State-run CongoSat broadcast covering the meeting between the leaders of Greater Congo and the Free Republic of the Congo===

...

On this historic occasion President Lumumba himself took a visit to Brazzaville on the invitation of President Leclerk of the Free Congo. In a press conference following the media, Lumumba praised the initiative of the new government and the mass movement that declared independence after the referendum on the matter.

The meeting between the two leaders has yielded a number of trade and border agreements, but more importantly agreements in defense where the People's Republic of the Greater Congo has pledged to provide the Free Congo with aid and supplies, as well as a commitment to maintaining that nation's safety from attempts by the Cameroon Pact to reassert its imperialist ambitions in the region.

Questioned on the streets, citizens of the Greater Congo seem to wonder as to when the two Congo's will finally be reunited. So far only a tentative time table was agreed upon by Presidents Lumumba and Leclerk to admit the Free Congo as a constituent republic within the Greater Congo at some point in the future, possibly after the end of Lumumba's presidency.

Lumumba asserted the validity of the outcome of the referendum and the steps taken by the Free Congo as the 'right to self-determination' and has warned the Cameroon Pact of any brash action against the new republic.

Military officials within the Greater Congo's People's Army cite that the Free Congo's administration only has solid influence along the Congo itself and about 200 km of land stretching from the river towards the north and west. Beyond that elements of the Cameroon Pact's security forces and local elite are resisting attempts by the masses to surrender their property to the new government.

In the city of Owando, locals protested against the continued presence of the Cameroon Pact and their collaborators, resulting in a riot that left at least 15 citizens dead. Similar instances are occurring across the contested nation and the forces of the Greater Congo have been put on alert in the event of potential violence against the people of the Free Congo by the Cameroon Pact imperialists.

...

==End Broadcast==

Confidential Communication

From: Antimatter Exports DivisionTo: Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

We would be happy to supply the Republic of Texas with antimatter, were it not for the unfortunate fact that non-humans, of which the our population is mostly consisting of, are second-class citizens.

We understand that recently the South Pacific Alliance has made what we consider a very generous offer in the circumstances, and we have heard also their invitation for us to sign up. We are happy to do so, but it Texas is the linchpin without which the agreement is pointless.

We hope that we will be able to conduct business with Texas in the future. Until then, ethics forbids us.

Yours cordially,

Antimatter Exports Division

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

TOP SECRET

To: Mercury Resource Energy Collective, Antimatter Exports Division

It saddens me that the MERC brings politics into what should be a matter of business and trade. I am at a loss as to how Texas purchasing anti-matter would in any way be to the detriment of the non-human population of Texas. I would understand your refusal better if I expressed my wish to purchase advanced weaponry or law enforcement equipment, but anti matter is none of those.

I would also like to inform you of something that until now has only been revealed to myself and a select few of my administration. Our intelligence service has made an interesting discovery in our solar system, an artifact. My advisors and I believe this find to be very significant for this artifact predates all civilised and intelligent life on Earth and holds many secrets and possibly great powers. Should you wish to reconsider your refusal, you have my word that we will share with you the secrets this artifact holds so that the MERC will be on equal terms with Texas in reaping the rewards and powers of this artifact.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

TOP SECRET

To: Communist States of America

The Republic of Texas would be open to the idea of supporting your organisation if the CSA were to start an insurgency or revolution in the Republic of California.

My nation and administration has the ability to provide your cause with weapons, money, training, supplies, intelligence and safe refuge.

Regardless of whether you take my offer up or not, I ask you to conduct all communication between yourselfs and Texas with the upmost secrecy and that our working relationship be one of absolute confidentiality.

I await your response and look forward, if you so choose, to working with you.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Confidential Communication

From: Antimatter Exports Division, MERCTo: Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

As we mentioned in our previous missive, we consider trade barriers between the MERC and Texas to be ethical, not political in nature. While antimatter exports may not directly harm the non-human population of Texas, we ask you; would you be willing to strengthen a state which holds your kin in civic contempt?

Regarding the artifact, our advice is caution. Paleotechnology is powerful stuff built for unknown purposes.

Yours cordially,

Antimatter Exports DivisionMercury Energy/Resources Collective

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

It has been six years since our Republic began construction on our Martian colony. So far we have made great progress and our efforts shall soon be rewarded. It is my firm belief that the future of our nation lies in space and it is for this very reason that I would like to announce the creation of the Texan Space Agency (TSA).

To complement the creation of the TSA, I am proud to announce that upon the new year we shall begin the process of terraforming Mars. In terraforming Mars, we offer a new home and a second Earth as a legacy for both Texas and mankind.

But this is only the start of our ambitions in space. Upon the new year Texas shall also establish a colony on the moon of Iapetus in the outer solar system. I am also pleased to announce that Texas shall start building the worlds first Space Elevator, which shall greatly ease our expansion into space.

With this Texas is set to become the leading power in space and it is my wish that our efforts shall give our children a brighter future to look forward too.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Le Socialiste wrote:Excerpt from Chancellor Ondřej’s Union Address (Delivered before a combined session of the Peoples’ Congress and the Senate):

“...The old must make way for the new aspirations of humanity and its being companions. No longer are we limited to an Earth whose future lies in the unity of all liberated beings. Ours is beyond this planet, beyond the pettiness of titles and frivolous pomp. The hope for the wellbeing of all who inhabit the solar system can be found in life’s scientific endeavors and accomplishments. Colonization of planets beyond our own has come to define man and being kind – nevertheless, our success must be met with humility and kindness. We do not come as conquerors of the broader universe; rather, we come as fellow travelers and companions. We mustn’t let history dictate our decision making. Our voyage into space colonization may be our first, comrades, but it will certainly not be our last! Our hopes for Mars go far beyond what we have begun – and we have only begun. Success on Mars means a better future for every being, and I will dedicate my second term to its fulfillment. We must be willing to cooperate with those who have started similar programs, including the Texans and Antarcticans. It is imperative that we share in this moment, as one body. The shortcomings of either country needn’t upset our collective task in preparing the planet for further colonization efforts. This doesn’t mean we will let issues of discrimination and state-sponsored segregation slide, however.

It is my pleasure to announce that the goal to triple the size of our military by the end of the last decade has been successful. Our armed forces remain an integral part of Marispatria’s safety and security. It guarantees the continued success of its economy and scientific efforts, as well as the wellbeing of its citizens. Given its success, I have given the go-ahead to implement the first of many recruitment and modernization drives, to be completed over a period of five years each. These five-year plans will ensure our place as the world’s top leader in technological research and analysis, as well as maintain a constant state of modernity amongst all wings of our armed forces.

Some members of the international community have accused us of militarism, of plots for dominance and violent expansionism. I will say this once: the Technocratic Union of Marispatria is not concerned with the pettiness of world imperialism, which serves only to bring out the worst of beingkind. It remains within reason that, as the interplanetary community engages in its own military growth so will Marispatria. We will not stand idly by while the risk of external instability grows, nor will we cease our encouragement for an expanded military. Our efforts to improve the abilities of Marispatria’s military needn’t concern the world and solar community. We do not wish to alarm our neighbors, and hope further misunderstandings can be met with acceptance and enlightenment.

I continue to focus on the betterment of our nation’s technological advancements and infrastructure. To meet this end my administration has begun construction on a solar megaplant and put Marispatrian feet on Mars. I promise the Marispatrian people and those assembled tonight – we have barely scratched the surface of what we can do! Much more remains to be done, and I intend to dedicate the remaining years of my Chancellorship to these efforts. Preparations have begun for the construction of Marispatria’s first space fountain, as well as the country’s first transoceanic maglev tube in order to establish contact with our friends beneath the waves. These projects – and more – will continue to propel Marispatria into the future. Our commitment to the sciences are world and solar renowned, and I plan to make sure the nation lives up to such expectations. Beingkind has only begun to realize its full potential; let us encourage these endeavors! Let us not hesitate to reach the outer reaches of space, to let no task be forgotten. For at its core stands the future betterment of all beings and life forms – such is our commitment. Greed, pride…these qualities only spell the ruin of civilization. We will meet our future with great humility and understanding!

Allow me to reaffirm Marispatria’s commitment to the protection and defense of its allies, no matter. We continue to stand with those who seek the freedom and liberation of all oppressed beings, including those who yearn for a future devoid of violence, hatred, and repression. We will not hesitate to come to the aid of our comrades, and will support them in their efforts for a better world. Wherever oppression rears its head, we will strive to end it. We will agitate for the liberation of the solar system’s peoples, resting our vision on the ideals of unity and solidarity. Let the powers of reaction know: we will not stand by should our allies be attacked. We will willingly join the fight for their interests and defense. This has been the policy of Marispatrian Extropianism since its founding, and it will remain such for the remainder of its time on Earth. We stand with the oppressed…”

Le Socialiste wrote:President Bauer,

Given the change in power we understand that some policies and/or statements may no longer apply. The Chancellory does not consider the former government's actions to be in line with your present one; therefore, there is no need for worry.

If you wish to terraform Mars, by all means - do so. Our administration will not get in the way, believing such an action may ease future colonization efforts. We hope for future cooperation with your colony, as well as with any others who make their appearance on the planet. This said, it is important that we take the views of the natives into consideration. For all intents and purposes, we remain guests on Mars. Any matters of importance must be taken up with them as well.

We are also open to you suggestion for a formal structure to organize all native and foreign beings on Mars under a single operating system. We look forward to hearing more about this in the future. Until then,

President Michael Bauer has won the presidential elections with a massive landslide. Winning 71% of the vote, Bauer easily defeated his rival James Thor of the Federalist Party, who came in second with 29% of the vote.

The Human National Party also gained seats in both the House of Representatives with 267 seats (out of 300) and the Senate with 69 seats (out of 100).

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:*Video footage released over the internet*

The camera slowly pans over the corpses of several corpses.From the sight of the bodies it is obvious that the victims were partially skinned prior to being shot execution style.Over the darkened floor pools of blood stain what was once a majestic underground shelter of white tiles.Eventually the camera angle stops and before the video abruptly ends a insignia is seen on one of the victim's jackets.It reads: NHP

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:Secret Letter

From: The Diversity Union

To: President Michael Bauer

Greetings scum,as I am sure you are aware we in the D.U will soon be launching our assault upon the very edifice of the Confederate States.During our unrelenting assault we will deiver onto you human dregs the ultimate reward: enlightenment through Naturalization (our chosen plan to forcefully evolve humans via living a simpler lifestyle focused on the environment).During this coming storm we know it will be difficult for you to resist intervening in another state's affairs but we in the Union have sufficient belief that you will not do so on the sole basis that it would threaten your delicate stranglehold on power.

So,as a gesture of friendship we reach out to you in hands of friendship: deliver unto us military aid or suffer wehn our new state rises to prominence!

The Pan-Asian Federation has responded to attacks on its terraformation fleets by the NeoSocialist Maat Mons Underground City, with two Planetary Assault Vehicles leaving Pan-Asian shipyards carrying in their bellies 20 Dropships carrying dozens of infantry units and Heavy Battle Tanks. Two of the Dropships succumbed to Maat Mons air defences, but the rest of them managed to achieve a successful landing near the surface structures and entrances, whereupon they disgorged their forces which proceeded to begin their assault.

Transmissions from the defenders of Maat Mons indicate the deployment of a new unit by the Pan-Asian Federation

The underground city is divided into five main areas connected by transport tubes and service tunnels. The defenders have managed to maintain control of at least two of these areas, having blocked off all connections with the others and are obviously prepeared for a long siege. The defenders have also managed to report the presence of a new kind of unit deployed by the Pan-Asian Federation - a super-strong, super-fast and ultra-stealthy unit that contributed greatly to the rapid fall of the upper levels of the underground city to the Pan-Asian attackers. The above image is the only clear one taken thus far. Along with this info, the defenders have also issued a general plea for assistance from other NeoSocialist and Extropian polities in the Solar system.

Texas To Terraform Mars

A Texan terraformation station

The Republic of Texas has begun the terraformation of Mars, after previous talks with other inhabitants of the Red Planet indicated a general agreement that such a development would be beneficial to all of Mars. Although most of the larger colonies of Mars appear to be on board with the Texan plan for the planet, an anti-terraformation group calling itself Keep Mars Red, a miscellaneous alliance of deep greens, anti-megastructure activists and libertarians, has formed in response.

Texas Establishes Colony on Iapetus

The Republic of Texas has continued with its extraterrestrial program in the form of a further colony, this time on Iapetus, a moon of Saturn.

AMERICAS

Protests In CSA Over Government "Inaction"

Protests have occurred in major cities all over the Confederate States of America, as citizens increasingly lose confidence in the ability of the CSA government to defend them against ongoing attacks by non-state actors such as Legion of Steel Fists and the Diversity Union. The CSA government has so far responded that the protests, although geographically widespread, are relatively few in numbers and thus not really representative of general opinion among CSA citizens.

Amadeus Thomas Assassinated

Former President of the Republic of Texas Amadeus Thomas has been assassinated by a Legion of Steel Fists hit-squad. The attack took place at his safe house where he was shot multiple times at close range with a shotgun, according to forensics investigators. Near his body was a note from the LSF claiming responsibility for they claim is "a just execution for the crimes in Mexico".

Rush On Stores As LSF Attack Warehouses, Water Storage

The Confederate States of America experienced more bad news this year as food warehouses and water storage facilities came under attack from the Legion of Steel Fists, prompting a rush by citizens on CSA stores and supermarkets for bottled water and dried foods. [CSA loses 10 Resources]

AFRICA

Cameroon Pact To Blockade Free Republic of Congo

The Cameroon Pact has instigated a blockade of the Free Republic of Congo, with the Transhuman Navy securing the Atlantic coastline and the River Patrol stopping and searching vessels operating on the Congo itself. The Pact Authority River Patrol claim to have stopped at least three vessels carrying military aid across the river, and the Pact Authority has claimed this as clear evidence of foul play on the part of the People's Republic of Greater Congo.

EURASIA-PACIFIC

Afghan Rebels In Pakistan Offensive

Martial law has been declared in Baluchistan

Major cities all across the provinces of Pakistan in the Pan-Asian Federation came under a broad-spectrum attack by Afghan rebel forces in a long-awaited move against their declared oppressors. This assault comes with the support of a non-trivial fraction of the Pakistani population after revelations last year of atrocities committed by Pan-Asian security forces. Military bases, air defences and checkpoints came under sporadic raiding designed to wear down their targets. Local governors were forced in some provinces to declare martial law and the streets have become filled with armoured security forces and local Army units.

:The D.U is proud today, for not only has an imperialist cretin been eradicated but we have officially begun our armed struggle for control of the CSA! Today Diversity forces,comprised of humans,hybrids and machines, have laid siege to over two dozen Confederate cities and towns while dozens of others have already been captured by our forces.

In this singe surprise attack our body has snared a quarter of the CSA's total territory.This action has also cut off vital resources from the CSA command and given the citizens,which have joined us in droves,a reason to fight and a reason to live!

We will continue to update the world on our progress, Naturalization be with you!

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:Legion of Steel Fists News:Food for the Oppressed,Oil for the Enslaved

"Welcome to our viewers from around the world.Tonight is a grand night as we in the Legion are happy to report that Admiral Amadeus Thomas,former dictator of the fascist Texan Republic,has been executed by a LSF hit-squad.The death of the admiral will not erase his heinous crimes but they will absolve him of the burden of organic life.

Continuing with the good news we are pleased to report that the Diversity Union has begun their war against the fascist CSA government.In a single stroke large swathes of land have been occupied with even more threatened as the populace continues to turn against the government.

We in the Legion have done our part as our elite squads detonated car bombs within Texan land to prevent Texan involvement and have dedicated the majority of our combat cadres to the struggle..."

"Following the recent acension of the HNP to power,and the barring of SPOD's participation, the multiracial group has begun a campaign to change the hearts and minds of the still conservative populace.

When many organizations such as the LSF and D.U are busy in engaging in armed struggle SPOD has switched gears to a more non-violent approach.In their annual newsletter a SPOD representative said the following,"We believe that non-violence is the only path forward in such turbulent times.When many groups force their views on the world we in the path wish to only gain prominence through methods of mutually cooperation..."

This sudden change of affairs is different for SPOD leading some analysts to say that it is simply a smokescreen put out by SPOD leadership to mislead people;after all, historically SPOD has been,at times,just as violent as the Legion...."

The Dark Side of the Moon wrote:"it has been confirmed today that Leader of the Antarctic Coalition has sent a formal request to the Interplanetary Council for Revolution. He also stated that that request has been in the almost endless piles of paper on the ICR's desk for 4 years, and that he did not want it 'to be a public statement, but they will not listen if he didn't'."
in other news, the mission to start terraforming mars has mysteriously disappeared from the news, story on that at 11, along with the missing news about the second megaship

Red Commissar wrote:STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT LUMUMBA ON THE BLOCKADE OF THE FREE CONGO

I am greatly disappointed that the Cameroon Pact still refuses to acknowledge reality and clings to these outlandish accusations of a rigged election and our attempts to destabilize its nation. My thoughts on the horrid state aside, they are deluded if they think they can continue pulling these stunts with out any response from the Greater Congo. When they shoot on the people of Brazzaville demanding freedom, it's a matter of security. When the people of the Free Congo declare independence, it's fraud. When they refuse to be reintegrated, it's a disruption to national integrity.

Nowhere in here is what the people of the Congo think. And what they think is freedom. The Cameroon Pact's imperialism in Africa is tragic enough on its own, even with out the example the people of the Free Congo set for the rest of the world. They stand against this colony in Africa, and the workers of the People's Republic of the Greater Congo shall stand with them against this stain on the continent of Africa. On this planet. In this system.

The navy of the People's Republic will be deployed to escort ships to the people of the Free Congo. The Cameroon Pact is asked to rethink their belligerence and lift the blockade, and recognize the independence of the Free Congo. If not, the workers of the Greater Congo will stand together against your imperialism, if not the whole of Africa.

Victory to the workers, long live NeoSocialism!

Le Socialiste wrote:Breaking News Update: Exclusive

Achlys Latona wins bid for the ChancelleryOctober 20, 2112

Former head of the Central Intelligence Committee (CIC) and 2-term Greek governor Achlys Latona has been declared the official winner of the Chancellery, emerging victorious in a race that saw participation by five other challengers. Current holder of the Office Jákup Ondřej congratulated Ms. Latona immediately after news began filtering through about her projected win.

"I would like to congratulate Ms. Latona on her victory this morning," stated the Chancellor on The Nation, "Her achievement today will be found mutually beneficial for the country tomorrow."

Supporters of Latona demonstrated in several major cities across the nation, in celebration of what some commentators have started calling "an historic landslide." Inhabitants of Greece's capital city came out in droves as news of their previous governor's win spread like wildfire; park and security officials scrambled to get an accurate count, with estimates as high as 4.3 million. Officials downplayed concerns that the assemblies might get out of hand, barely containing their own excitement at what will be the first inaguration of a Greek citizen into the Marispatrian Chancellorship.

"Today is an historic day for Greece," said one (who requested anonymity). "We've never had one of our own elected to such a high office."

Achlys Latona will be the third woman elected Chancellor of the Technocratic Union of Marispatria, as well as the first Greek to hold the position.

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

To: The Institute of Cosmic Engineering

I wish to inform you that the Republic of Texas shall be sending a team of scientists and researchers from the Texan Space Agency to the Daemon System. The TSA team will be working is numerous locations across the Daemon System, including Daemon A, Daemon B and the moon of United.

I look forward to any possible cooperation and collaboration between the TSA and the ICE in our collective scientific endeavours.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

To: The Sortitional Spokesbeing of the South Pacific Alliance, Arana Harmonic Process

I am pleased to inform you that the proposed Agreement has been analysed and debated by the House Committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The House Committee and my administration are willing to consider this Agreement if Clause 1 is either dropped or replaced with a more realistic and workable alternative.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

Once again the world must bear witness to the violent savagery and barbarity of international terrorism.

As our Republic and it's people exercised their democratic rights during the last election and as our Republic was engaged in negotiations with the South Pacific Alliance over the future of our nation, the Legion of Steel Fists sought to sow chaos and despair. Four of my fellow party members were brutally murdered at the hands of the LSF. What is more, the LSF saw it fit to film this atrocity and show the entire world this snuff film. This proves perfectly to what savage and desperate depths the LSF will go to in pursuit of their vile ends.

The LSF also further demonstrated their extremism and savagery when they killed Admiral Amadeus Thomas. I will not deny that Admiral Thomas was the worst leader our Republic has had. Admiral Thomas was the leader who brought our Republic to the brink of war and possible destruction in pursuit of his reckless policies. That does not, however give licence to terrorists like the LSF to murder people in cold blood.

I vow that those LSF members responsible for the death of Admiral Thomas and the murder of my fellow party members will soon be dead or in prison. Either way, they will not escape justice.

I would also like to express my solidarity and sympathies to the people of the Confederate States of America. Like our Republic, the CSA is now a victim of international terrorism. The Diversity Union is a cabal of extreme anti-human racists who only have one goal in mind, the extermination of the human race. I urge the CSA government to do more in eradicating terrorism and to better protect it's own citizens, for if this problem is left unattended then the CSA will face a very dark and horrific future.

Despite the challenges and problems we face, I am fully confident that in the end our Republic shall prevail and the forces of international terrorism shall be decisively defeated.

I vow that my administration and I will not rest until every member of the Diversity Union and the LSF is either dead or in prison.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:Legion of Steel Fists News: Food for the Oppressed,Oil for the Enslaved

"Welcome to our global audience to another installation of LSF news.

Today we have continuing coverage of the war within the CSA as D.U fighters continue to capture Confederate landmass at a exponential rate.Just last night the towns of Hulli,Buxtrix,Kalo,Goodmor,Savings,and Oiu all fell.Currently we have word that a Legion combat cadre is close to the perimeter of Pipenburg;the same city that saw a brutal occupation by Confederate forces after it was graciously liberated by Legion forces.At the same time forces of the Diversity Union are rapidly moving closer to the capital..."

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:SPOD Newsletter

"...it is unsurprising the saber rattling nature of President Bauer's most recent address.While it is true the practices of the Legion have been most violent and the recent events in the CSA are too be concerned about, it does not excuse Bauer to imply that he would deploy military forces into a foreign land....such an act is imperialism at its purest,and I am sure such actions would not be tolerated by the Texan people who have had more than enough bloodshed."

Red Commissar wrote:Communique from the People's Republic of the Greater Congo

To: Chairman of the West African Convergence

Fellow Comrade,

As you may be aware our nation is currently undergoing tensions with the imperialists of the Cameroon Pact. I know that they have given you as much trouble as they have with us, and remain a blight to both our interests for our citizens and indeed the whole of Africa. They continue to exploit this land and threaten us with eventual colonization- what other purpose could they have with the force they have?

Any sort of aid in this coming conflict would be appreciated. An embargo and severing of trade with the Cameroon Pact would be a good start, but any sort of military aid would be very much appreciated from the people of the Congo. We are prepared to recognize any claims or grievances you may wish to settle with the Cameroon Pact.

President Malcolm Lumumba of the People's Republic of the Greater Congo

Official CommunicationInstitute for Cosmic Engineering

From: Sichuan Soleris, Research Co-ordination SecretaryTo: Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

Mr President,

Noting your interest in the artifact on Iapetus, as there is now Texan colony surrounding it and the associated research area, we at the Institute, and the rest of the scientific community, are curious as to the nature of your investigations into the bodies mentioned.

In addition, keeping with our policy of open research, we would ask that you share the results of your investigations publicly. It has been consistently shown that open research policies like ours are invaluable in fostering the lightning-fast pace of scientific advancement which currently benefits us all.

Sincerely,

Sichuan Soleris

---

Mr President,

We understand that there are many polities and organisations who seek regime change in the Republic of Texas. One of the stated reasons for this includes the second-class status of non-humans in Texas. Our hope is that the Agreement as written would resolve this tension without requiring regime change in Texas.

We were hoping to help ease the transition of Texas into a new transhuman age, to cushion the blow of historical development, but perhaps we were naive to think that anthropocentric privilege could be so easily dealt with.

For now our offer remains open, should the leadership of Texas have a change of heart. Others may not be so understanding or patient.

Arana Harmonic Process
Sortitional SpokesbeingSouth Pacific Alliance

---

Collective Transmission

Greetings, Mr President!

Although events between Us and the Cameroon Pact have been quiet of late, We have been watching events in the rest of Africa with increasing consternation. Having held audiences with delegates from Marispatria, We would also like to meet and discuss with your strategists as to how to best move forward in these troubling times.

We are also concerned that the recent formation of the Free Republic of Congo may present a tempting target for any extra-African hegemony to interfere with in order to expand their influence. We will be seeking assurances from Marispatria that they will remain at a distance unless explicitly called for - other powers may not even be prepared to listen.

A shot zinged through the trees and in less than a second Confederate private Bill's head turned to goo.All around Jon explosions thundered into the air turning the night sky a bright red.An exceptional color Jon thought,for any Legion attack was bound to end with nothing less than unspeakable amounts of bloodshed.

Jon grabbed his rifle and ran to the city;for if he was able to make it inside the city proper he might be able to help in its defense...

Red Commissar wrote:To the West African Convergence:

We recognize your concerns with the developments in the Free Congo. Rest assure that the people of the Free Congo desire to be independent, if not part of the Greater Congo. As far as I know from my contacts with in Leclerk's offices, there has not been attempts to align himself with any power from outside of Africa.

However we have an opportunity to deal a blow to the one thing that is truly 'extra'-African: the Cameroon Pact. They have done nothing but treat the continent of Africa as their backyard and source for resources. This is an affront to the values of all denizens of the Congo, and workers who toil in their oppression.

We however need other African nations to stand together to send a message to the Cameroon Pact that their antics will no longer be operated. The people of Africa should be free to choose their paths, no longer bound to commands from beyond their land.

I would like to have a meeting with the Convergence, but the demands of this country are pressing. I will send the Foreign Minister in my place however.

Yours in solidarity, President Lumumba of the People's Republic of the Greater Congo.

Chancellor Latona addresses a combined session of the Senate and Peoples' Congress.

Achlys Latona was inaugurated as Chancellor of Marispatria monday morning, a ceremony that - for once - many seemed to deem necessary for its significance. The first Greek to hold the Chancellor's office (as well as the third woman), Chancellor Latona greeted her new position as being among Earth's "most humbling offices." Former Chancellor Jákup Ondřej congratulated his successor on her victory one final time during the ceremony, claiming "Marispatria's citizens and her allies may rest in the assurance that the country is in capable hands. We are grateful for Chancellor Latona and look forward to what the future holds for her during these next steps in her career."

The new Chancellor managed to take some time amidst the general celebratory atmosphere to outline what she believed should be Marispatria's next moves in the coming years, going on to say "Particular importance must - and will - be placed on Marispatria's ability to reach out to the world and solar system, and our allies should know I intend to further what my predecessors have started. Marispatria is ready to devote its full attention to the needs and worries of the interplanetary community; we will respond to the call if asked."

Greece was thrown into a prolonged state of celebration and revelry as their new Chancellor was formally instated into office, one which many in the relatively small region once thought out of their people's reach. People and beings streamed into any open area available as celebrations reached their peak throughout the state, many still in a state of disbelief.

"If you'd told me last year during the race that Latona was going to win - by a landslide no less - I wouldn't have believed it," said another.

Not everyone was pleased with the outcome, however. Despite the country's general openness towards different cultures, lifestyles, and beings, Greece has gained some notoriety for what many perceive to be an 'easygoing' approach to life and business - including being a top destination for those who hold leftist politics and viewpoints (in comparison to the rest of the nation). Some of these concerns and more were voiced during the Chancellorship race itself, with some candidates voicing their worry over the possibility of a "laid back approach to governance." Abisha Fadil, one of the top contenders for the position and a fierce rival of Chancellor Latona's, issued a thinly veiled warning following the latter's inauguration, saying "We can only hope Ms. Latona will bring to the office what she herself brought to her home state. How else will the people realize the mistake they made?"

Nevertheless, celebrations threw Athens into a standstill monday night, as millions took to the streets in what many have begun terming Greece's most historic moment "in decades." Partiers thronged around Parliament, arguably the most visited site throughout the night. Revelers casually erupted into song now and again, with the Greek state anthem being a top choice among the crowds.

"We're celebrating an important achievement here!" shouted one exuberant AI, "Not just for Greece but for Marispatria as a whole."

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:*CSA Military Transmission*

"Lords,it seems that after a prolonged battle the Legion of Steel Fists, along with their D.U allies, have captured Pipenburg.Words is scarce since all of our spies seem to have been killed,but intel has that celebrations, likely of a proxy origin, have begun in the streets. While this happened forces of the Diversity Union occupied a dozen more towns and cities.This is ontop of a new series of terrorist attacks which have been unleashed by a unknown force.

Gentlemen,if we do not manage to turn the tide soon,our entire nation will be lost to extremists..."

Mather wrote:

Texan Space Agency

To: Research Co-ordination Secretary of the Institute of Cosmic Engineering, Sichuan Soleris

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the TSA and myself to the ICE and all those who are investigating the Daemon System. It is my desire that our collective endeavours shall uncover the mysteries of both the alien artifact and the Daemon System.

The main purpose of the TSA in this investigation is to study the alien artifact on Iapetus as it is the only firm piece of evidence we have of an extra-solar alien civilisation. The TSA is interested in learning more about this civilisation and to see if it still exists or if it has fallen victim to the passage of history and time. I am also very interested in the actual purpose of the artifact itself, why was it built and what is it for, these are some of the many questions the TSA shall be looking to answer in the near future.

The TSA shall also be working on and investigating the Daemon System itself, which is an amazing thing in itself even if we discount for a few brief seconds the fact that it was revealed to us by an alien artifact. The TSA shall study the two stars of the Daemon System and the moon of United, which is another amazing discovery.

Lastly the TSA shall investigate the wormhole itself, for I do entertain the idea that this wormhole is an artificial one that was built, in all likelehood by the same alien civilisation that built and left these artifacts. I do believe that by investigating the wormhole, we could possibly uncover the mysteries of wormholes and possibly learn the skill and power needed in building one. Of all the possible discoveries to be made, the ability to control and develop wormhole technology will be of great benefit to all mankind for that would open up a new chapter in space exploration given the great ease wormholes afford us in inter-stellar and galactic travel.

As to your last point, the TSA and myself are in full agreement. We shall make public and share all our knowledge and share the discoveries we make with all of mankind.

You state that this proposed Agreement "would resolve this tension without requiring regime change in Texas."

It is here that I feel you have not fully understood the dynamics of the situation in Texas. The survival of my administration is not the issue here, I don't seek and hold power for it's own sake but to serve a higher purpose in safeguarding the very survival of my own species, humankind. Should this goal require the end of my administration and me giving up power, I would do it without second thought.

I would also like to point out that this is a matter of all the people of Texas, not just my administration and myself. The people of Texas are united and emphatic in their demand for species security, that is a polity that can uphold and guarantee their rights and their right to exist and flourish as a species. Our Republic is such a polity and the people support this.

What of the future tensions that would then inevitably occur between those who embrace this hypothetical transhuman era in Texas and those people who would still be opposed to it? We would simply and ironically be in the same situation as we are now, just in reverse with the transhumans being the ruling class and the humans being the powerless and defenceless underclass. Does this sound like a good solution in your honest opinion?

As for the transhuman age, our Republic accepts that this is now a reality in many nations and polities, as do I. However the Texan people and myself do not accept the point that this tranhuman age apply to our Republic. The citizens of Texas are not all native Texans who trace their lineage back to the era of the USA, many of them are humans who immigrated to Texas upon the advent of tranhumanism in their own respective nations and polities. In Texas they saw a new home where they could feel safe and where they could flourish.

Do you wish to deny these people their right to self determination?

I know that you do not view tranhumanism as a threat to humans or other species, but the people of Texas and I do see great risks and possible threats, including existential threats. This experiment of placing many different intelligent sapient species within the confines of one planet has yet to give us answers, but it always carries risk. This is most true for humans for we as a species do not possess the unrivalled intelligence and power of other species such as AIs, who's power affords them infinite possiblities.

For this very reason, I do feel that our Republic offers humankind the best in terms of it's ability to survive in this new and possibly dangerous era that we all live in.

I do hope that you read this not as a rejection of your good efforts, but merely as an explanation so that you can better understand our point of view and our worldview. I do believe in dialogue and diplomacy and I hope that we can work together in finding a solution that could solve all our outstanding issues.

I look forward to our continued correspondence.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Le Socialiste wrote:to WAC:

We are not interested in meddling with the affairs of sovereign nations, unless it is abundantly clear that our presence is needed. However, the situation surrounding the Camaroon Pact and the Congo hinges on the latter's willingness to involve others in the issue. If our assistance is requested, we will get involved. Until then, Marispatria has no reason to do so. It comes down to whether or not the Congolese government wants an outside mediator. We are not looking to exploit the situation, as every decision impacts the lives and livelihoods of those living in the area. As such, we must proceed carefully and with sensitivity.

A Maat Mons defender speaks to rest of the world in a rare video transmission

The defenders of the NeoSocialist Maat Mons underground city on Venus are still holding out against their Pan-Asian attackers. So far it appears that the preperations made by the defenders are still proving useful, although it is unknown how long they are expected to last, as communication between Maat Mons and the rest of the Solar system is being actively suppressed and the Pan-Asian forces on Venus are not being cooperative in providing the world's media with any information. Earlier reports that some Venus-adapted defenders have been able to escape to the surface have not been confirmed, although it is clear that some link to the rest will need to be established if the NeoSocialist colony is to have any hope of outlasting this siege. Elements of the former Maat Mons Space Force that survived the initial encounter with the Pan-Asian space flotilla are now known to have claimed asylum with the ME/RC and the Belter Union, of which both have expressed concerns about the whole affair. "If the callous ease with which the Pan-Asian Federation have casually rolled into Venus crushing all those who dare resist them is indicative, then what is now happening on Venus is a moral disaster in the making," said a Belter Union rep. The ME/RC, for their part, have announced that they will be ceasing all trading activities with the Federation, in addition to their current embargo on antimatter exports.

Texan Space Agency To Probe Space Oddities

The Artifact on Iapetus

The Texan Space Agency has undertaken an investigation into various new objects discovered over recent years. The TSA clearly feels that the links between these objects deserve a closer look than has been given them thus far - although there has been a lot of speculation, there has been little in the way of the hard evidence needed for establishing hypotheses into theories. The objects under scrutiny include the original artifact on Iapetus, the wormhole which it highlighted, and also the bodies which it led to, in particular the binary stars of the Daemon system and the habitable moon United. This research has already borne fruit with the discovery of an object underneath the photosphere of Daemon B, which was discovered through careful examination of all available helioseismological records obtained of the star thus far. TSA researchers are now believed to be diligently working to establish a means for further investigation; the consensus among them appears to be a choice between further in-situ examination of the object, with TSA scientists mindful of the strong possibility of the object in question being artificial and thus potentially dangerous, versus various proposed retrieval attempts.

AMERICAS

Diversity Union Openly Challenges CSA

Confederate soldiers have been deployed on those streets still under government control

The Diversity Union has begun openly challenging the authority of the Confederate States of America, with DU cadres taking to the streets in large numbers in Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee, and claiming control of the towns and cities they have thus far attacked. This development has led the CSA government to declare a state of emergency, as the contested zones effectively split the CSA in two. To bolster their claim Diversity Union cadres have been destroying water systems and shipping where they can, and handing out their own supplies of food and water alongside copious DU propaganda. Reports also state that as General Henry Barkley was mobilising out of his home state of Alabama, he barely escaped an attempt on his life - the bullet aimed for his heart ended up becoming lodged into one of the General's prosthetic titanium ribs. Louisiana and Mississippi, the two states seperated from the rest of the CSA by recent events, have mostly escaped violence - the general feeling among the poluations of these states is that their proximity to Texas prevented them from falling under undue Diversity Union influence.

AFRICA

Greater Congo Navy Makes Runs Through Pact Blockade

Transhuman Navy ships form a wall to direct maritime traffic

The People's Republic of the Greater Congo has been running ships past the Cameroon Pact's continuing blockade of the newly-independent Free Republic of the Congo. Although at first the Pact blockade was composed merely of Frigates and Patrol Vessels which were merely stopping and searching civilian vessels and detaingning any considered to be aiding the Free Republic, the recent runs accompanied by Peoples' Navy ships have prompted an escalation - the blockade has now been augmented with at least two dozen Transhuman Navy Destroyers and a super-carrier, the Makande (depicted below). Also, the ships comprising the blockade have now been given new orders to sink any vessels making a run towards the Free Republic without stopping.

The Transhuman Navy super-carrier Makande

West Africans To Hold "Confluence"

Lagos, the capital city of the Convergence

The West African Convergence has invited the Foreign Minister of the Peoples' Republic of Greater Congo to become a temporary part of their collective intelligence, in order to finalise discussions as to the nature of relations between the Convergence and the Greater Congo concerning the Cameroon Pact.

EURASIA-PACIFIC

Pakistan In Turmoil

Pakistani militants in the port city of Gwadar

Pakistan in the west of the Pan-Asian Federation has now become a complex patchwork of contention between rebels and the authorities. This state of affairs was made possible by the Pakistan Offensive conducted by Afghan and Afghan-advised rebels last year. While local governers and authorities were quick to react, the upper echelons of the Pan-Asian government seem strangely unconcerned with a major region slipping out of their grasp. This atypical behaviour has led many to speculate whether they are waiting for an ideal time for a response, since surely they can't be pretending it isn't happening? Experts on insurgent warfare have noted that the seizure of the port city of Gwadar in southern Pakistan represents a milestone for what is fast becoming known as the West Pan-Asia Rebellion, with cargo ships being seen in the captured port facilities already. [The Pan-Asian Federation's base Resource production is reduced by 10, Energy by 100]

"Against the Megastructure" Spreads to Bangladesh

Mindful of events in Pakistan, local authorities in Bangladesh have deployed extra security, such as this robotic enforcer

The Preservationist rebel movement known as Against the Megastructure has claimed responsibility for attacks against military bases and security checkpoints in the Pan-Asian province of Bangladesh. They claim these actions as the beginning of an expansion of their campaign against the Pan-Asian government. "It is not just Pan-Asia's immoral occupation of the Malay Peninsula which is of concern to us," the insurgent group said in a public statement, "but the whole terrible glittering edifice which disgusts us to the very pits of our stomachs. How many inhabitants of Pan-Asia are crammed into tiny metal boxes which they call home, eating paste which they call food, and barely having the touch of natural light upon their skin? The Federation doesn't release figures, but any amount is an intolerable injury to the psyche of organic life. Polities like Greater Indonesia point the way forward, but the ruling class of Pan-Asia refuse to take on board the valuable lessons they offer."

The Ministry of the Interior has announced that it has arrested 342 people who are suspected of being members and supporters of the LSF and the Diversity Union. The dre-dawn nationwide wave of arrests are part of an ongoing campaign by President Bauer to destroy the LSF and the Diversity Union and their ability to operate in both Texas and the wider North Americas.

At a press conference, a Ministry spokesman said "Todays arrests are a significant step in our fight against the LSF and the Diversity Union. The information we shall obtain from these suspects shall be vital in our efforts and any information we obtain that may be of use to the CSA in their battle against the Diversity Union, will be given to them. The LSF and Diversity Union's days are numbered."

President Bauer has pledged that those suspects found guilty of serious crimes will face the death penalty.

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:*video released from LSF website in regards to the arrests*

"...pitiful Bauer and his pigs think that arresting our comrades he will win his disgraceful war;know this fascist-YOU WON'T! Agents from neighboring nations have already moved in to replace those lost;newer more highly trained agents at that.Per usual our reprisal will be car bombs-which by the time you have read this message will have already gone off in major cities.The Legion,as always,laughs at your efforts to squash revolution;the agents you captured have already taken their suicide pills...."

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:Field Report from CSA-D.U conflict

Total Casualties: 122,000+
Total Costs in Damages: 5,900,000,000+ CSA credits
Total Landmass Lost to Diversity Union: Approximately 51% and growing.Cities surrounding Pipenburg have been captured by rebel forces and the CSA capital is now under siege by rebel group.

"Sire,with all due respect,this is a sinking ship.It is at this time I officially resign my post..."

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:*A Diversity Union member guides a large group of people into the forest.Behind them their village burns sending great plums of black smoke into the air*

"Move it!" Shouted the solider, his rifle prodding the back of a young women. "Move it or you will end up like the others!" Implying the inevitable.

The young woman,knowing that if she didn't comply she would be shot like those who tried to flee,quickly redoubled her effeorts and began to once more run,dispite the fact that she was nearing the point of exhaustion. They had been traveling all day and seemed to never reach their destination.They had traveled so far the the smoke from their village now seemed distant and barely visible.

When the Diversity Union first came into the village they were seen as liberators.They had freed everyone from the shackles of government enforced bigotry and promised a more diverse life.Celebrations broke out....but hours later the liberators begun forcing everyone out of their homes and into a giant mass.They begun herding all into teh forest for something they would only refer to as "Naturalization."

Feet sore and blistered the young woman known as Mina raced forward,hopefully enough to evade further torment...

Red Commissar wrote:Statement from the office of the President of the People's Republic of the Greater Congo

The Cameroon Pact has shown it is intent on maintaining its colonial empire in Africa and not listen to the will of the people it has crushed under its heel. This is not surprising; it is what they have always done. For the distant and cold administrators of the Cameroon Pact, profitability is king. Self-determination is meaningless, because surely no one would want to leave their enlightened order.

The people of the Free Congo are denied essential goods due to this embargo, and it is only through the brave efforts of the People's Navy that we have been able to get anything at all to these brave people. They even have the gall to prevent free traffic of goods between Kinshasa and Brazzaville across the Congo river.

The world is watching you Cameroon Pact. You will soon know the flaws of your policy. The people of the Free Congo will resist to the end, and their comrades in Africa will stand strong with her.

Long live the workers, Victory to NeoSocialism!

Mather wrote:

Top Secret

To: Director of the Texan Space Agency, Dr. Arnold Toht

President Bauer asks that you speed up your investigation into the artifact in Daemon B. The rapidly changing geo-political circumstances back on Earth demand that we work hard and fast to weaponise this artifact. I need not remind you that our Death Ray is only two years away from completion and it is vital that we combine the power of this artifact with our superweapon, to give ourselves the ultimate power.

I shall be sending an armed field operations team from the State Security Agency to the Daemon System to assist and guard your efforts. It is vital that you and the TSA maintain as much secrecy as possible. The SSA field team shall also be bringing with them a 100 kiloton nuclear warhead. The SSA have orders to destroy the wormhole with the nuclear weapon in the event of the artifact unleashing any significant threat to Earth.

Vice President of the Republic of Texas

Nicholas Van Alden

Mather wrote:Texas Broadcasting Corporation News

Upon the conclusion of the court cases of the 342 terrorist suspects, all of them have been charged and sentenced.

79 LSF memebers have been sentenced to death and the rest have been given sentences ranging from life in prison to a 5 year sentence. At a press conference, a Ministry of the Interior spokesman said that the arrests resulted in vital information being obtained and this will be used in the near future when further action is taken against the LSF and the Diversity Union.

Mather wrote:

Texan Space Agency

To: Research Co-ordination Secretary of the Institute of Cosmic Engineering, Sichuan Soleris

I am to inform you that an armed field operations team from the State Security Agency shall be arriving shortly to the Daemon System. The SSA has been sent on the orders of my President to safeguard the TSA from any possible danger that could arise from our efforts to study the alien artifact. Given the mysteries that surround this artifact, safety is of the upmost importance.

The SSA team shall also protect our investigation from any possible terrorist attacks, for as you know Texas is at war with the LSF and the Diversity Union. It is imperative that our scientific work does not fall prey to any opportunity that the terrorists may exploit to further their own ends.

Should the ICE ever feel under threat or face secuirty problems in the Daemon System, please do not hesitate to ask for the assistance of the SSA. The SSA are under strict orders to guarantee the safety of all those who are currently working in the Daemon System.

Director of the Texan Space Agency

Dr. Arnold Toht

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:*Thunder rolls high in the night sky as war rages all around.For hours combatants have tested each other wills concerning who is the true master of the CSA capital;artillery fire,cannon blasts,machine gun and laser fire,tank shells,air strikes,suicide bombers,assassinations,and throat slitting have all become common sights and sounds.Members of the Diversity Union unite with LSF commandos and together blew up a Confederate post.Buildings collapse and the ground wavers;somewhere in this chaos word is received that a expeditionary force has defeated an entire Confederate army and now occupies states near the Eastern border.Somewhere in the city a lone bird cries out,and slowly dies in the hands of a crying boy.*

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

It brings me no pleasure in having to address the situation in the CSA but this is a crisis which cannot be ignored.

I have seen intelligence reports which document the widespread and systematic use of mass murder, torture, ethnic cleansing and the forced displacement of civilian populations. While humans are the main target of the Diversity Union's campaign of ethnic cleansing and massacres, they are not the only species who have suffered at the hands of this bloody campaign. Hybrids appear to suffer the same fate as most humans when they fall into the hands of the Diversity Union. There have also been reports of mechanoids being destroyed when they fail to obey Diversity Union orders. This intelligence has also documented the presence of LSF terrorists in Diversity Union controlled areas and has documented LSF terrorists fighting alongside and assisting the Diversity Union. This only confirms what our intelligence agencies and myself have already long suspected, that the Diversity Union is an offshoot of the LSF and that together they have an active working relationship in international terrorism.

As for the CSA itself, the situation is very serious as Alabama, Kentucky and Tennesse have now fallen out of CSA government control. This has effectively split the CSA in half and this seriously jeopardises the ability of the CSA to function and survive as an independent state. Whilst I am surprised and somewhat concerned about the apparent inaction of the CSA government in dealing with this crisis, I am nonetheless fully confident that the CSA shall prevail in facing the terrorist threat. I cannot even begin to imagine the fear and torment that the brave citizens of the CSA must be going though, I hope that no more harm befalls them and I look forward to the day when they can live in peace and safety. I would also like to say that Texas stands with the good citizens of the CSA and that they are in our hearts and thoughts.

In response to the CSA crisis, I shall enact the following measures to ensure that the security and stability of Texas is guaranteed.

* Improved security all along the border and at all border crossings, airports, ports, train stations, power stations, military bases, police stations, hospitals and all government buildings.

* The deployment of 100 units of light infantry along the Texan-CSA border and the further deployment of 100 units of light infantry along the rest of the Texan border.

* The police and National Guard shall have a more visible presence on the streets of Texan cities and are authorised to use lethal force in the event of terrorist activity.

In the spirit of solidarity and as they are our good neighbours and friends, I shall provide the following assistance to the CSA and it's people.

* Texas shall provide humanitarian aid and supplies of food, drinking water and medicine to the CSA.

* Texas shall share all intelligence relating to the LSF and the Diversity Union with the CSA authorities.

With this I have full confidence that the CSA and it's government shall overcome these dark times. The Diversity Union has shown the whole world their deep seated hatred of humans and their racism is there for all to see. But the Diversity Union and the LSF shall in the end face defeat and shall suffer their own destruction, that I promise.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:Legion of Steel Fists News: Food for the Oppressed,Oil for the Enslved

"...continuing coverage of the conflict in the CSA we now report that opposition militia (LSF&D.U) have captured several districts of the national capital.After a night of heavy fighting it appeared that by sunrise at least a quarter of the capital was taken from confederate hands.

In other areas opposition forces continue to battle CSA troops in what is becoming a savage war;thousands were reported massacred all along border villages and dozens of villages which refused to submit to opposition command were torched.

At this time Legion combat cadres have reported that the Naturalization campaign has been proceeding 'on schedule' and the forced relocation of inhabitants from the industrialized cities was a necessity in order to bring about peace.

In related news the Texan government today announced a series of draconian policies in relation to the crisis in the CSA.In an effort to squash international support for the liberation of the confederacy,President Bauer ordered that hundreds of additional troops be deployed to the border along with increased security of other vital installations.This caused a sharp rebuke from Synthetic Path&Organic Destiny,saying,"...this is a travesty! When your own nation's president declares war on his own peoples freedoms you know something must change." While the SPOD spokesmen was elusive about what this change was he did allure to a new activist campaign and hint that SPOD might form 'self-defense groups.'..."

Mather wrote:Texas Broadcasting Corporation News

President Bauer has left the Presidential Palace for the more secure underground command and control bunker.

The move has been described as a temporary measure whilst the government deals with the increasing threat of terrorism that has come with the recent troubles in the CSA. Vice President Van Alden has been sent to another secure bunker as part of a precautionary move to not have the Texan leadership all in one place. Security has been greatly increased at both bunkers and a team of regular infantrymen has been deployed to personally guard President Bauer.

Red Commissar wrote:Communique to the South African Accord from the president of the PRGC:

Greetings Comrade Slovo!

As you may know the Cameroon Pact has decided to refuse the independence of the Free Congo. This has been a problem for us as we are only entering into a cycle of escalation that will only end up in war. My foreign minister has gone to the West African Convergence to ink out an agreement over this potential war. I have gotten assurances from the Technocratic Union as well.

I know we did not get our desired result from the Malagsy Nanotopia, which continues to spew pollutants into your lands. However I think if you were to help me here in any form available, it would establish your country's strength in Africa. The NeoSocialists in Africa need to stand together against the colonialist intrigues of the Cameroon Pact, who I'm sure are not content with the territories they hold currently.

The world needs to know that Africa, like South America, is the bastion of NeoSocialism. This would be the start of that recognition.

Solidarity,

President Malcolm Lumumba

To Texas:

Mr President,

Of course we understand that such a decision is not yours alone to make. We respect that and our offer would be worthless without the consent of the Texan population.

We do not agree with your implicit assertion that resolving the issues associated with multi-species societies represents an existential threat to the human species. Despite the rapid growth of non-human sapience, humans are still one of the most populous species on Earth. Should the issue come to conflict, the lines drawn would cross boundaries of class, nationality and ideology as well as phenotype.

When the age of feudalism began to pass on, doubtless there were lords and monarchs who held to the conceit that their fiefdoms were immune to the turning of history. They were all wrong. Where they differed was in how they reacted to their failure to stop the inexorable march of social progress. Some of them reacted relatively peacefully, while others lashed out.

We hope that in this case, it is the former scenario that will play out. Indeed, our offered Agreement is an attempt to direct things down a more peaceable path.

Arana Harmonic Process
Sortitional SpokesbeingSouth Pacific Alliance

---

Official CommunicationInstitute for Cosmic Engineering

From: Sichuan Soleris, Research Co-ordination SecretaryTo: Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

Mr President,

I understand that you may have security concerns during your expeditions to the Daemon system, due to domestic issues. This is no problem.

However, there is an informal agreement among research participants in the Daemon system to keep the presence of military personnel and equipment to a bare minimum, as well as to not undertake any military exercises or campaigns.

I hope you understand the necessity of such an agreement in the interests of securing the knowledge of the Daemon system for the benefit of all Solar inhabitants.

The air was stale and heavy with the smell of sweat,somewhere in the room the ticking of a old fashioned clock could be heard.Within this small chamber several dozen important dignitaries had gathered i order to discuss issues of urgent nature.The entire group was nervous and slowly got off to speaking;the first speaker,an older man named Olvi,gained the stand...

"...I am concerned for our organization.The government is cracking down hard;in the last week alone hundreds of our organizers have been arrested.All of this is the fault of the conflict in the CSA but we have firmly cut ties with those devils! Yet,we continue to be harassed by the Bauer pigs.We need to take strong action,and we need to do so quickly!" Olvi coughed out.

Someone responded;a older women,her face covered in a Arabic garment which long ago lost its social meaning,let loose a slow,yet fiery tirade.

"...yes,perhaps we should simply cower? No? Then I fail to see why we are even discussing this bullshit! President Bauer is a pig and a fascist sympathizer,he will never see to reason.Our path doesn't lie with civil disobedience but rather in armed struggle;the kind which our comrades in the CSA have already begun! It is shameful-we sit here in our plush offices while true revolutionaries spend their blood battling for the greater good;we dismiss their tactics as 'devilish' all while our own tactics are shattering below our very feet! What we need to do is alley with the Diversity Union and Legion only then will we see progress!"

At that a loud clamor tore through the chamber with each participant anxious to voice their support or condemnation. Hours past and eventually order was restored but the group inched no further to a successful conclusion.Among the uproar and disorder rumor spread of a possible split: one for increased agitation,and another for Peoples War.

Le Socialiste wrote:Excerpts from various Marispatrian news sources:

The Parisian Daily

Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky Succumb to Legion Advancements

“...The Confederates appear incapable of quelling the rising insurgency, with Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky falling to the Legion and D.U. A spokesbeing for the LSF consented to our request for a statement, saying ‘We have full and complete sway over the affairs of the mid-South. We will sever the fascists from the oppressed and restore the latter’s confidence in our organization’s liberation efforts.’ The Confederate government has so far remained silent on future potential countermeasures, as its hold over those lands under its control begins to deteriorate before a determined Legion-led revolt. Confederate news media have begun referring to the uprising as an elaborate ‘AI-orchestrated putsch,’ in what has become a clear attempt at dividing those non-AIs who still sympathize with the Legion’s efforts and sowing confusion amongst those who oppose the government but are wary of the insurgents.

Spokesbeings for the Legion and D.U. both issued statements surrounding the possible capture of the Confederate capital, which they claim to have engaged in an effort to unseat the government. Verifying these statements have been tricky, however, as no one is allowed within those areas reported to be under ‘sufficient strain’ and ‘at risk for engagement by enemy elements.’ This has made obtaining the number of those dead, missing, or displaced increasingly difficult as neither side seems to be releasing accurate numbers – inflating or deflating the data depending on how it will paint the opposition. Nevertheless, the combined forces of the Legion and their Diversity Union allies have threatened the very foundations of Confederate society, placing the latter’s very future in jeopardy...”

“...EASA spokesbeing Xan Iapn announced today the beginning of what’s being called ‘An expansion of Marispatria’s presence beyond the surface of Mars,’ a move that may propel the agency into the outer reaches of the solar system. The move was welcomed by a combined special session of the Senate and Peoples’ Congress, who put out a statement praising the initiative of EASA and its furtherance of the nation’s role in interplanetary relations.

‘We are pleased by EASA’s moves to increase the rate of our union’s colonization efforts,’ it reads, ‘and expect those within it to continue their role in shaping and bettering the lives of Marispatrians – indeed, all life forms – everywhere. The agency has contributed much to man and being’s advancements, as well as serving a vital part in perfecting our understanding of what lies beyond Earth.’

Chancellor Latona was present during the official announcement, giving her support for EASA’s achievements and continual research while promising to keep the agency running. ‘We cannot begin to underestimate the vital importance EASA holds,’ she stated, ‘This organization plays an important part in bettering our society and ensuring Marispatria’s place as a leading power in technological advancement.’

EASA will reportedly launch two additional colonization fleets within the next four years, the first of which coming as early as 2114...”

The Global Observer

Revolt Spreads to Pakistan

“...A specter is haunting southern Asia, the specter of separatism. As Pakistani rebels continue their push to oust the Pan-Asian government the latter has remained silent as to its intentions, appearing unconcerned with what many analysts are terming a ‘veritable wave of southern discontent.’ The Pan-Asian government has yet to issue any statements about the uprisings that have seen an additional state cast off Federation rule, joining Afghanistan in a battle for self-rule that has lasted over twelve years. Pakistani rebels and Afghan detachments launched operations in the Fall of ’11, sweeping through the mountainous region in a series of blitzes that caught most local officials by surprise.

‘Lack of battle preparedness and readiness on the part of the authorities is really what made continued advancements possible,’ says Ahmed Rashid, head of the Political Science department at Tehran University. ‘The capture of Gwadar by these separatists will only embolden those elements of Pan-Asian society that still rue Federationist rule; whether or not we’ll see the movement spread to other states is still up for debate, however’...”

socialistjustin wrote:The Republic of California is a scientific wonder of a territory. Las Vegas is our capital and it is here you will find everything to satisfy your needs. In recent years, conservatives from Utah have tried to criminalize prostitution and drugs, but we assure you this won't be happening and the best red light district in the universe will stay.

Texas needs to watch themselves. If they start another conflict, I can promise harsh action will be taken against them. We are a peaceful territory, but we do not stand for needless aggression against us. Nothing will stand in our way of becoming the most scientifically advanced territory in the world.

Signed,
President Arnold Justin

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:Damage Report: 25-26

"AS you wish lord the damage report was finished and we have a decent tally of the estimates which plague our nation.Compiled over a day these statistics should be an accurate representation of the crisis.

States Lost: Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky have all been occupied by Legion and D.U forces.Rumor has it that hundreds of thousands of people have been moved into primitive villages for what the opposition has called 'Naturalization.' Opposition forces continue their march for supremacy has more sectors of the capital city fall under their seemingly unstoppable momentum.

Lives Lost: This is a tricky one has in all the chaos it is hard to tell who and what has been done.However,from a previously compiled report I can say that causalities have risen above 300,000.

Terrorism: Even though the legion continues to assault our republic with their conventional forces they still insist on employing suicide bombers,kidnapping people,and assassinations.It is common knowledge that they routinely terrorize the cities they capture by kidnapping important figureheads in each community,saying that if the citizenry doesn't comply than the individuals will be killed.These people they kidnap are almost always human or some organic lifeform.

Propaganda: It has risen considerably during the crisis.Previously we would not see LSF leaflets in our conservative backwater but now we have seen a massive upsurge.Just last week I remember seeing a Worldtube video in which a crowd of Confederate farmers,joined to gather and rose up a large D.U banner shouting praises towards the Legion.

....those are the important parts,other than that our little republic is coming apart at the seems...which reminds me.we need to get you to safety Mr.President.

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:SPOD: Greetings!

"With the world so filled with chaos and discord it is a refreshing time to hear of some good news.The Republic of California sounds like a wonderful new territory and should be embraced! Synthetic Path&Organic Destiny formally extends a invitation to the recently announced,and second annual,Interplanetary Peace Conference.We humberly await California's reply..."

Christmas has arrived and various lifeforms all around Australia celebrate this traditional holiday as always - they give gifts to each other, enjoy a fine Christmas dinner or just generally have a good time. However, this year, Australians also have something very important to look forward to. The probe 'Sparrow' is poised to finish its mission very soon - mapping the planetary system of the red dwarf star Proxima Centauri -, claims space research expert Nina Sol-Varian. Chief of Technological Development Arthur Sandberg also made a speech in Canberra at 18:00 on the 25th, describing this space venture of the Eco-Technate of Australia as "a giant leap forward in humanity's, as well as all other lifeforms', expansion in space". He went on to say: "This will be a true milestone in the history of Earth, whose denizens will soon be able to travel as far as never before. There is no telling what we'll discover - new technology, perhaps even a new culture - but either way, as soon as the Sparrow gives us the necessary information to send an exploration fleet to the system, we will have the means to lay our hands on all these discoveries. And I am very proud of all of you Australians - the mechanoids who have worked hard in the factories as well as all the bright minds who made it possible to fulfill this mission." The full text of the speech can be seen on page 3.

~Albert Thälmann

_______________________________________________________Alien life in Proxima Centauri: can we find any... and should we?
_______________________________________________________

The time has come - what the Australians have been waiting for in the last ten years is soon to come. Proxima Centauri is now within our grasp - but as we travel further than ever before, one thing should be clear. We are no longer prisoners of our own planet. The last century has seen the arrival of various lifeforms onto the Earth, answering the question of whether there is any alien life once and for all. However, while we've been lucky to have found such friendly peoples, one must question what else we will find as we encroach deeper upon the endless depths of the universe.
One may ask, of course: "Why would we be fearful of alien life on those planets? Surely they will not attack us?" Others may answer yes to that question, but scoff at the possibility of this affecting us: "Earthlings have mighty technology at their disposal - a few centuries ago we were nowhere near this level, but now we would be more than a match for any hostile cultures." Still, we cannot be overly optimistic. Remember that the history of humanity, which is still the core race of the planet, began to us only a few thousand years ago as we know it. The universe has, on the other hand, existed for billions of years. Lifeforms as ancient as a million, or tens of millions of years may easily exist, and these lifeforms may possess such incredibly advanced technology, fighting them would be like a caveman attacking a Battlesuit head on. As for those who believe in the docility of said lifeforms, remember that a culture that has existed for a million years may well have exhausted the reserves of its own planet, its own system even. In this case, they will move on, hungering for more resources, more space, and will not hesitate to displace any competitors. (continued on page 4)

~Zachariah Frost

---

National Congress enacts emergency law

The National Congress has voted on a proposed National Emergency Bill on the 23rd. This bill allows the Technocratic Council of Australia to seize complete authority over the civil offices (Domestic Economy, Domestic Security and Social Affairs) in the case of a national emergency, which may, among others, mean a war, a famine or insurgency activity threatening industrial production or a heavily populated area. More on this on page 10...

~Erika Joyce

socialistjustin wrote:California Daily

Government Approves Solar Megaplant Project

The government in Las Vegas approved the building of a solar megaplant. According to President Arnold Justin this project will provide thousands of jobs and more resources for the government. The opposition party, the Free Market Party, has called this yet another round of wasteful government spending. President Justin will be at the groundbreaking ceremony tomorrow.

Government On The Offensive Against Protesters From Utah
After a protest group in Utah handed out flyers denouncing the Red Light District, the territory run channel ran ads and interviews with government officials denouncing the group. Greg Lewis said that the group needs to join the 22nd century and recognize that everybody should have the right to engage in whatever vice they wish. One of the protesters was arrested yesterday for suspicious activity near the RLD as he is thought to have been taking pictures of key locations. Expect more news to develop out of this situation.

Tax Increases On The Rich Coming

The effective tax rate has went up to 50% from 35%. The money raised is expected to be invested in Healthcare and other Social Programs.

The NeoSocialist colony of Maat Mons Underground City has officially ceased to exist, as Pan-Asian forces on the planet have reported that they have complete control over the former sovereignty. This ends a two-year siege, but as of yet Pan-Asian forces have yet to let any media into the city. It is feared by many that there is a potential humanitarian disaster in the siege-torn city, and the MERC have issued a condemnation against the Pan-Asian Federation for their "blatant imperialism".

Australian Proxima Probe Transmission Reaches Sol

The long-awaited reply from the Australian interstellar probe to the nearby star of Proxima Centauri has returned, and Mission Control in Darwin has confirmed that there's a lot of data; "We weren't expecting so many planets, so it looks like we got lucky". The Australian Space Survey will release a fully-detailed report soon over the next year.

Deluge On Mars

The planet Mars in the current "Blue" stage of terraformation

The terraformation of Mars initiated by the Republic of Texas proceeds according to plan, with massive amounts of imported water and a thickening atmosphere leading to significant cloud formation and subsequent precipitation. Oceans are now forming, and recently-introduced genetically engineered microorganisms are making the atmosphere more breathable by the month. Even now, there is sufficient pressure to explore the surface of Mars with an oxygen mask.

AMERICAS

Joint Texas/CSA Campaign In Alabama A "Success"

The Texan Air Force conducted an aerial bombing campaign against Legion of Steel Fists and Diversity Union forces, with half a dozen strategic bombers, a dozen fighter-bombers and two dozen ground attack craft targeting camps, bases, occupied buildings as well as the troop concentrations and logistics of the two militant groups. The campaign was conducted with a mixture of conventional and electromagnetic pulse weapons, leaving some targeted mechanoids temporarily deactivated. Thirty units of Texan mechanised infantry, supported by a ten units each each of armoured cars and main battle tanks, then proceeded to move into Alabama under cover of darkness, engaging with those LSF and DU militants who had survived the bombing, destroying all those who resisted and capturing those incapacitated by EMP weapons. While the Texan forces swept through Alabama from the west, the CSA Army took up positions along Alabama's eastern border and captured any militants trying to flee from the Texan assault. In a swift and decisive assault, the Army and Air Force of Texas had crushed all LSF and DU presence in the state. With the fighting over, the Texan Army withdrew from Alabama back to Texas, handing out food and medicine to CSA civilians and donating their leftover ammunition and small arms to CSA military posts as they did so. CSA Secretary of Defence Greg Bishop praised the Texan and CSA forces, and hinted at further action; "There's still two states under the iron heel of the Diversity Union, so we're looking at our options," he said at a press conference.

This development comes at an important time, as the Legion of Steel Fists and the Diversity Union continue their campaign of economic sabotage and destabilisation against the Confederate States, as well as an unsuccessful attempt on the life of the General of the CSA Army. However, their propaganda is beginning to ring increasingly hollow in the CSA, as reports filter through of atrocities committed by DU militants.

California Commences Construction Of Solar Megaplant

The Republic of California has begun construction of a Solar Megaplant in the Nevada desert, as part of a drive to improve the economy.

AFRICA

Cameroon Pact Fields New Unit

A Transhuman Army Cymek unit

Perhaps as a response to the ongoing defiance by the PRGC of the Pact blockade, the Pact Authority Transhuman Army has sent two dozen of its recently-developed Cymek units across the border to the Free Republic of the Congo for field testing. Little is known about these units, but reports from the Free Congo report that they are larger and more heavily armed than battlesuits, and they are rumoured to be cybernetic shells for organic brains.

EURASIA-PACIFIC

Pan-Asian Reponse In Southwest Asia

The Pan-Asian Federation has responded to the Pakistan uprising with an invasion of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Pan-Asian attackers encountered heavy resistance, including up to 60 units of heavy battle tanks, 30 self propelled anti-aircraft guns and 40 units of mobile artillery. The resulting fierce battle of attrition resulted in heavy losses on both sides, favouring the Pan-Asian authorities in terms of vehicles lost but not enough to make a difference against the more numerous insurgent troops, swelled by the local civilian population as well as local security forces that defected before the Pan-Asian assault. That invasion force is reckoned to number 30 battlesuits, 20 Mobile Anti-Orbital Artillery, 40 field artillery, 40 combat airships, and 40 strategic bombers, as well as at least three dozen of the Pan-Asian Federation's mysterious new infantry units, seen in action here in exclusive footage:

Also working in the insurgents' favour is a series of targeted attacks against economic infrastructure such as railroads and power transmission stations in the Indian provinces near Pakistan, which have hampered the rapid and easy deployment of units by the Pan-Asian authorities.

Unrest Continues In Bangladesh

Bangladesh has continued to be a troubled territory of the Pan-Asian Federation, with extensive protests all over, some of them spilling over into riots as the situation further west makes local governments increasingly edgy.

Marispatria Completes Solar Megaplant In Arabian Desert

The Technocratic Union of Marispatria has completed construction of a Solar Megaplant in the desert of the Arabian peninsula.

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:"The imperialists of the Texan and CSA would like to believe that their most recent collaboration in the conflict means that the war is turning in their favor,that the setbacks in Alabama mean that our 'defeat' in other states will soon follow.Well,I wish to say that this is FALSE! This is a fable set up by the elite to use against the masses in an effort to mislead them into supporting a dictatorship! We gathered here today know that all throughout history great men have suffered at the hands of the powerful;the freedom fighters in Tibet,the insurgents in Afghanistan, and all the minorities understand that one must expect grievous events before the glorious conclusion!" -Diversity Union preacher speaking at a D.U-LSF rally

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

I am pleased to announce that our military offensive in the CSA state of Alabama has been successful. The combined forces of the Texan Army and Air Force have cleared the entirety of Alabama of all terrorists belonging to the Diversity Union and the LSF.

Our military offensive was done at the request of the CSA government and throughout the entirety of this offensive we had the full consent of the CSA, to assist them in their war against the Diversity Union and LSF. Their war is our war for both Texas and the CSA share the same terrorist enemy. Given that the CSA consented to our military offensive, Texas has upheld and continues to adhere to the Maryland Agreement.

Less pleasing however, is the mass of evidence we now have of the campaign of mass murder that mainly targeted humans and hybrids. The Diversity Union and the LSF seem to be engaged in a racist frenzy and are exterminating all organic life that falls under their oppressive control. The death toll amongst CSA civilians is now estimated to be as high as 300,000 and counting. In unleashing an anti-human genocide, the Diversity Union and the LSF have shown themselves to be nothing more than racist and fascistic thugs and I am determined that they shall now pay the price for their barbaric evil. As punishment I promise that any terrorist member whom our military captured during our offensive, who is found to have participated in acts of genocide, they shall suffer the death penalty. Justice demands it!

As a last point, I would like to point out that Texas could have carried out this offensive in the other two states still under terrorist control. Our reasons for not doing so are that before I said I had full confidence in the CSA government and military and I still do. It is my belief that in assisting the CSA we have brought that nation back from the brink and now the CSA is no longer split in two. I have full confidence that the CSA can now finish the job and regain it's control over the two remaining states under terrorist occupation.

Let is be known that the Diversity Union and LSF shall never take over the CSA nor shall they ever capture the capital city, Texas will not allow that to happen under any circumstances. The days of international terrorism are fast coming to an end.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

I would like to use this opportunity to address the ongoing situation in the Free Republic of Congo.

Over the course of the last few years, Texas and my administration have been assisting the Free Republic of Congo in their just quest for freedom and independence. In their legitimate struggle for freedom we in Texas can relate to and see common cause with the people of the Free Republic of Congo. I personally count President Odilon Leclerc as a close friend and in Texas, the Free Republic of Congo has a friend and an ally.

I am deeply disturbed by the reports of massacres and gross human rights violations committed by the forces of the Cameroon Pact. Texas and my administration will not stand idly by whilst the Congolese people suffer the bloody hand of Cameroon Pact aggression and barbarism.

Texas and my administration find the actions of the Cameroon Pact to be wholly unacceptable and their blockade of the Free Republic of Congo is illegal as far as Texas and the Free Republic of Congo is concerned.

I would like to issue an ultimatum to the Cameroon Pact:

Cease your blockade of the Free Republic of Congo and withdrawl all forces of the Cameroon Pact Transhuman Army from the territory of the Free Republic of Congo.

If the Cameroon Pact fails to meet this ultimatum by the 31st December, 2114 then Texas shall impose it's own naval and aerial blockade against the Cameroon Pact and shall maintain such a blockade until the Cameroon Pact does abide by our request and cease it's hostile actions against the Free Republic of Congo.

I hope, for their own sake, that the Cameroon Pact sees sense and that they cease their aggression against the Free Republic of Congo.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Frank the Rabbit wrote:

Pan-Asia Press Conference

Premier Zhao: As we all know, we have recently been in a bitter and unnecessary war with The Maat Mons Venus colony, many lives have been lost in this conflict and we know the public needs to understand the reasons we went to war.

That is why I have called this press conference, Myself, General Zhong and Minister Hu will answer any questions you have.

Premier Zhao:Yes, President Hu, Minister Hu and Myself went to a meeting With President Girard of The Maat Mons Underground City and two of his delegates as well as Lord Mayor Howard of The New Hope Sky City and two of his delegates shortly before the terraformation begun. We have also been in discussions for the last two years, to fully discuss all of the benefits and drawbacks of terraformation for everyone involved.

As for why our ships were attacked, I am still unsure of this myself, all I can say for now is, shortly before our Civilian manned Terraformations were attacked, Maat Mons stopped all communications with us and refused to re-open them after. Our experts are working now to see if we can find any evidence of a reason for the attack. Next Question, you?

Minister Hu:It was not a decision made lightly, as Premier Zhao stated, we had been in discussion of this for years and at our final meeting, we all agreed that the benefits outweighed the drawbacks for everyone involved and that terraformation should start. At this point, I ordered 500 Civilian manned Terraforma ships each with approximately 730 Civilian crewmen.

9 weeks into terraformation, Maat Mons ceased contact with Both Pan-Asia and New Hope before beginning the attack on our Civilian Terraforma Ships, Within the first half hour, ten (10) of these Civilian manned ships had crashed or been destroyed, forty-two (42) more had the same fate over the next 2 and a half hours before the remains of our fleet had a chance to escape.

We felt as a whole and not just I, that we could not allow this attrocity to go unaccounted for, 37,960 lives lost everyone of those people with friends and families back on earth, as such, they had to pay for there crimes. Next?

Journalist:John Doe, The Internet, What about the Maat Mons Civilians, Surely they shouldn't pay for the crimes of their leaders?

General Zhong:They shouldn't pay for the crimes of their leaders and they haven't been so far, Civilian casualties has been kept to a minimum, any civilians who've lost there home during the fighting are being kept in comfortable communal accommodation until the rebuilding is complete, Food and water are available to all citizens, the same standard given to our troops, our soldiers are well trained and disciplined and always treat the civilians with humanity, any instance of abuse is cause for instant discipline.

Press and any nation making a request to Pan-Asia will unless more than likely be allowed access to Maat Mons within the next three to six months.

Any more questions?

Journalist: How did the Afghan Terrorists gain military grade weapons? Did they steal them from Pan-Asia Military bases?

Premier Zhao: I can not say right now, all I can say is they are not of Pan-Asian manufacture or design. How they obtained then, I am not sure.

-News fades out-

Red Commissar wrote:==ADDRESS FROM PRESIDENT LUMUMBA ON STATE-RUN CONGOSAT==

-----------------------------------------------------
Feed shows President Lumumba, President Leclerk, members of the Council of the Republic, and the Supreme People's Council as well as other members of the ruling Congo Socialist Union inspecting a military base with the national anthem blaring over the speakers.

Another cut shows President Lumumba's speech

-----------------------------------------------------

Workers arise!

The workers of the Congo have spoken resoundingly in their support for their comrades in the Free Congo. Our common experience from this river, a symbol of the sacrifices the people of Africa have had to endure for as long as our history remembers. We near a major step in correcting that step as the Congo will become for the first time in recent history a unified entity advancing the tenets of NeoSocialism in the divided lands of Africa.

Yet at every step the colonialist machinations of the Cameroon Pact has attempted to block the desires of the people. Along with its collaborationist thugs, the fascists turned their guns on the people of Brazzaville as they demanded freedom and association with our union. We need not speak of the conditions of the people even deeper within the Cameroon Pact.

Naturally the Cameroon Pact cries foul and claims this is all engineered. This is not engineered- the conditions were atrocious enough in the Congo that the people chose to secede and move towards their brothers and sisters in the People's Republic of the Greater Congo. I will not deny however that we are supporting the Free Congo- for as long as this crisis has gone on the people of the Free Congo have looked to the workers of the PRGC as their most resolute ally in their struggle for freedom.

President Leclerk crossed the river at his own risk today to deliver a request for military aid from the PRGC. This matter will be discussed in the Supreme People's Congress and I will discuss it with the chairman of the Council of the Republic. I am confident however that we will approve this request for defense aid. The full strength of the PRGC shall be brought to support our comrades.

I again raise another warning to the Cameroon Pact. Leave the Free Congo now and recognize its decision. If you continue this blockade and infringement on its national sovereignty, you will force the people of PRGC to defend their interests. The world has by and large chosen to call out your actions. Abandon this spiteful path and pursue peace.

I look forward to a New Congo. The workers shall construct an even more glorious union, home to all regardless of their identity.

Victory the workers, Victory to NeoSocialism!

Le Socialiste wrote:The Marispatrian Times

Op-Ed Piece
3/17/14

The Way Forward in North America Doesn’t Lie with Texas
By: Achlys Latona

As instability continues to wrack N. America, one mustn’t forget the reasons why. The Technocratic Union of Marispatria was called in on humanitarian grounds to serve as a peacekeeping force on the continent. We achieved peace, fragile as it may be. We managed to bring together the warring factions forward in compromise, with a promise for shared prosperity and peace for all. We held no illusions then, however, and we hold none now. Much remains to be seen in the progress of our mission. The South remains plagued by disparate groups, often holding views in direct opposition to one another with no hope for constructive dialogue; corruption, impoverishment, and misery has greeted many faced with starvation and state-enforced persecution. Militarism runs rampant amongst the upper echelons of the political and financial elites, with some attempting to pursue policies that carry echoes of past expansionism. The future for the South remains in doubt – will it enter the 22nd century or remain lost in the shadows of its past?

The current upheaval spearheaded by the Legion of Steel Fists and Diversity Union cannot be understood unless looked at from a position that takes this past into account. Years of persecution and abuse has led to an increase in membership for these very organizations. Whether or not one agrees with their views is irrelevant; their rise is directly linked to the sociopolitical conditions underlying Southern society. Their cause (the deliverance of all non-human beings from human supremacism) is a just one, albeit flawed in its implementation. It would be folly to ignore the reasons behind their existence, for they represent the only alternative available in the South that isn’t dominated by supremacist teachings. If Texas and the Confederacy wish to solve this issue with force they’ll find themselves opposed to the very freedoms and ideals held up by the interplanetary community. If either state truly believes they can act with such impunity they will come to learn otherwise. Their actions in midland CSA serve only to isolate themselves from the broader solar system.

What can be done? The way forward in America does not lie with Texas, nor does it rely on excessive violence. If the Texan Republic and the Confederate States of America refuse to acknowledge the consequences of their actions they will only come to repeat them. Time and again the international/planetary community has urged the two states to reach a compromise with those who make up their non-human population; time and again they have refused. The time for compromise has reached an impasse: exemplary action should be taken to ensure Texas and its Confederate allies understand the world’s position on their dalliance with militaristic imperialism. Patience has run out amongst the interplanetary leadership – there no longer remains any calls for a peaceful resolution to the situation. The Confederates have lost the confidence of their people, if they had it Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee wouldn’t have so easily succumbed to the Legion. Texas’ exploits in Central America and the CSA have revealed a tendency amongst its leadership for militaristic action, action which only lends to the increasingly unstable situation on the continent.

The past will not return to North America. The world will ensure a peaceful transition in the region, even if it has to resort to methods of armed reinforcement to realize it. The Confederate government must cease all activities aimed at suppressing the popular dissent of its people. The Texan Republic must cease in its adventurism and return all forces behind the Texan-Confederate border. Refusing to do so will result in the harshest of measures from the world and solar community. The time for appeasement has ended, if the leadership of either nation rejects the community’s pleas for peace the latter must answer in kind. The atrocities committed within the American South have been tolerated long enough – actual answers must be put forward to end this blight on humanity and beingkind. The tragedy of the past must not be repeated, and it is the duty of organizations such as Belter Union, ME/RC, the ICR and others to ensure it isn’t. Society deserves to flourish in peace and in solidarity with the aspirations of others, those committed to furthering and bettering the world and solar system. It does not deserve to languish in misery and torment, bereft of understanding and compassion. Without these qualities society will fall to the very antagonisms that wreaked such havoc for centuries. It is vital that we as a community realize this, if we are to ever rise above man and being’s shortcomings.

Chancellor Latona spoke before the Senate yesterday in what some analysts are calling an attempt to garner majority-favor for further action against Cameroon. Currently embroiled in a secessionist battle with the pro-Congolese government of President Leclerk, the Cameroon government has implemented a naval blockade of all foreign goods and materials seeking entry to its southernmost region. President Lumumba criticized the move, saying “Leave the Free Congo now and recognize its decision. If you continue this blockade and infringement on its national sovereignty, you will force the people of PRGC to defend their interests.” The Chancellor took up a tone similar to the Congolese leader’s, emphasizing that “the interests of Free Congo lie in unification – if the leadership of the Cameroon Pact refuse to recognize the democratic sovereignty of its own people what claim have they to national self-rule?”

Opponents of Chancellor Latona accused her of endorsing a “selective, not to mention cynical, foreign policy.” Abisha Fadil, head of the official opposition, slammed the Chancellor’s speech for what he perceived to be “an attempt to open a door best left shut.”

“It amounts to a complete and total disregard for national self-rule,” says Fadil, “if the Chancellor deems a country’s actions to be against Marispatrian interests she’s essentially saying there’s little wrong in removing the leadership of the offending country. This sets a dangerous precedent.”

A spokeswoman for the administration was quick to issue a statement about the concerns raised by Senate members, stating “Chancellor Latona does not support the use of open or covert action to topple unfriendly regimes, nor does she believe it necessary. The Chancellor’s stance has always fallen on the side of the people’s aspirations, and this is what she meant earlier. She was simply misunderstood.”

Nevertheless, the Chancellor’s speech has been seized upon by leading members of the opposition, who will likely use it against her come election season.

Despite public and official outcry over the speech, the move signaled by the administration has been welcomed by high ranking leaders within the military – including Chief General Tsaro, who had been hoping the Chancellor would make a statement of solidarity with the PRGC. Tsaro and several leading officials from all branches of the military have been accused of what some anti-war groups are calling “A growing relationship between the Chancellery and the Military High Command.” When asked if the speech might lead to tangible movements against the CP, Tsaro refused to say, merely stating “Whether or not the military is called to mobilize against the aggressor is up to the Chancellor – we have little say in the whole affair.” The need for a response, however, was greatly needed: “I had personally spoken with Chancellor Latona about addressing the situation, as it would provide much needed vocal support for our allies in the Congo.”

When asked if they’d support military action in Cameroon, 58% of respondents said ‘yes’ with 36% coming out against.

We would like to congratulate the CSA and the Republic of Texas for their recent policing efforts against the terrorist LSF and DU forces.

We agree with them that this recent exercise does not constitute a violation of the Maryland Agreement, as it occurred with the permission of all the North American signatories involved.

We also call on Marispatria to recognise the threat to peace that the LSF and DU present, and invite all signatories to the Maryland Agreement to voice their support for the joint action by Texas and the CSA.

President Kristina Caitlin Brody,Democratic Republic of New England

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

TOP SECRET

To: President of the Free Republic of Congo, Odilon Leclerc

I am afraid that there has been a temporary realignment of our objectives, due to an ever evolving situation. In response to a potential threat to our national security, Texas will have to suspend it's planned blockade against the Cameroon Pact.

It is my hope that this potential threat is resolved peacefully and all my efforts shall work towards that goal. However until such a time, I need to take precautions in securing Texas against any possible threats. When my own people and nation are under threat, I have to attend to the situation and I hope that you will understand that any threats to Texas take priority in our decision making process.

My administration and I shall continue to voice diplomatic support for the Free Republic of Congo and Texas shall continue in it's efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and food, water and medicne. I hope that these efforts shall assist your people towards a better and a more free future. In Texas the Free Republic of Congo has a friend and hopefully a future relationship of mutual prosperity and peace.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Le Socialiste wrote:President Kristina Caitlin Brody,

The Technocratic Union of Marispatria cannot in good conscience allow the actions taken by the Texan Republic and the CSA go unpunished. We are concerned with the recent rise of militarism in the region, watching with some alarm the increasing frenquency with which Texas resorts to arms to settle disputes (beyond its own borders no less).

While your points have been taken into account and noted, we are simply uncomfortable with the use of force to subdue popular expressions of dissent. If the CSA and Texas would only address their human supremacism in a peaceful, respectful manner, one which would utilize the democratic process, we wouldn't be having these problems today.

Ultimately, Marispatria must find ways with which to respond that will end this issue of inequality once and for all. Nothing has been ruled out - however, we are wary of using force as this could potentially upset what gains we've made. No official orders have been given as of yet. The LSF and DU, for all their flawed reasoning, are an integral part of Confederate and Texan society. A place must be made for them if this needless violence is to end. Until this issue is resolved, what hope can we have for peace on the continent?

President Bauer earlier today announced that Texas shall suspend it's planned blockade of the Cameroon Pact, should the Camroon Pact fail to meet the ultimatum put to them by President Bauer.

According to the government, the suspension is in response to the recent hostile stance of Marispatria towards Texas.

At a press conference at the presidential bunker, President Bauer said "In light of recent events, my administration and I are compelled to realign our priorities and engage diplomatically with Marispatria and the wider international and solar community to address the issues at hand. This shall be the main focus of my attention and I am wholly opposed to any solutions that ential violence and war. I will however reiterate that our military offensive against two known terrorist groups in no way violated the letter or spirit of the Maryland Agreement. I hope that dialogue and diplomacy win out over violence and war."

Chancellor Achlys Latona,

We understand your stance against aggressive militarism, but if recent reports from DU-controlled areas are to be believed, then Texas not only has a right to increase their security, but a moral obligation. The LSF and the DU have proven over the past few years that they cannot be allowed to have power over others, because they will surely abuse it. We haven't forgotten Pipenberg, and hopefully neither have you. We also have no problems if the nations of north America choose to pursue their security interests outside of their own borders, provided all is above board and done with the permission of the recognised authorities, as has been done here.

Understand that Marispatria's presence in north America is subject to the consent of a two-thirds majority of the signatories to the Maryland Agreement. I have been in talks with the other American polities, and they fear that the Marispatrian political atmosphere is increasingly diverging from the professed ideals of the Union as we understand them. My fellow American leaders wish to seek assurances that the recent military build-up does not have any American polities as their target.

Finally, we ask that Marispatria join us in condemning the Pan-Asian Federation for their recent naked imperialism. Contrary to their propaganda, Maat Mons was not consulted before the Federation began terraformation of Venus, and we ask Marispatria to seriously consider the implications of allowing them to effectively seize an entire planet after crushing a sovereign colony. A sovereign colony that was nominally (if not de facto) allied to yourselves, at that.

President Kristina Caitlin Brody,Democratic Republic of New England

Le Socialiste wrote:President Kristina Caitlin Brody,

We too have heard and/or read the reports coming out of LSF/DU-held terrritory, however at present we have nothing of substance to base any of it on. At this point, everything and anything that comes out of the area is to be considered hearsay, with little to no proof or evidence to show on the ground. Thus, it stands to reason that word of these "atrocities" cannot be taken at face value. They require a deeper, more thorough investigation. Until we develop the means with which to do so we cannot begin to accurately determine what is going on there.

Moral obligations hold no weight during matters of international/planetary importance. We take issue with your attempt to circumvent the issue of non-human persecution and abuse at the hands of state-approved policies, the likes of which are directly responsible for our current situation. Had Texas and the Confederacy decided to make amends with its non-human population we'd be having a different conversation. The fact of the matter is the Texan Republic and the CSA have dealt with non-humans through the use of antiquated techniques and policies - segregation being one of them. Such practices have no place in the 22nd century; indeed, they belong in the dustbin of history.

What occurs amongst the Marispatrian leadership is of no concern to the broader solar system. We remain dedicated to the pursuit of a society that values compassion, peace, and scientific advancement. These are the ideals to which every administration adheres to. However, do not mistake our compassion for complacency; should the need arise we will not hesitate, responding to the calls of the oppressed. For all the world's advancements we remain trapped by selfishness and greed. We will not turn a blind eye to what we consider one of the last remaining tragedies of our era. This means voicing our displeasure if we think it is required.

Texas and the CSA must still deal with the consequences of what they have done. Some form of action is needed, and it doesn't have to come militarily. In fact, it probably won't. This hinges on whether or not the leadership of the Texan Republic and the Confederacy renounce their supremacism and accept their non-human population. Lastly, we are more than willing to cooperate on matters of shared concern (i.e. the recent actions taken by Pan-Asia). The Pan-Asian Federation has only begun to isolate itself from the rest of the global community and will inevitably have to face this reality. The attack on Maat Mons constitutes a direct return to Pan-Asian imperialism, and the Technocratic Union of Marispatria will respond when time allows.

In the meantime, I would like to propose the following (in regards to the situation in Kentucky and Tennessee):

In the interest of maintaining peace and stability, the Technocratic Union of Marispatria should be permitted access to the occupied territories still under Legion and Diversity Union control. Clearly, our peacekeeping duties remain far from over, and it would serve all the best interests for everyone involved if Marispatrian peacekeepers were deployed to the area. No further armed action by any state or group may be taken during this time if this measure is approved. In order to ensure a peaceful transition to Confederate rule, the peacekeeping force will remain for however long it's needed. We wish to take this proposition before the combined states of N. America for approval, and await their decision (to be made before this year's end).

The Axis of Borelia has always strongly criticised the Maryland Agreement, so we signed up despite its large potential for failure in order to secure a place at the table.

This offer of yours is a vindication of our criticism. Kentucky and Tennessee form part of the CSA, and thus it is an internal matter which by all accounts they are solving admirably. The peacekeeping operations mentioned in the Agreement do not specify the use of external forces for internal problems - were the situation between two American nations, then your offer would have merit.

We saw the ceding of American territory to Marispatria as the thin end of the wedge, and this offer to place Marispatrian troops on CSA soil is evidence of that. We have always believed in pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps, and to that end we have expanded our exploitation of methane clathrate deposits off our polar shores. Despite terrorist sabotage attempts, we have achieved a significant increase in economic productivity.

Hence we feel north America does not need you at this time, and your offer is thus refused by the Axis of Borelia.

Max Anyu, PresidentAxis of Borelia

---

[how about some experimental writing to go with an experimental unit?]

Jean Abayomi, or to give jer full name, Cameroon Pact Authority Transhuman Army Cymek Unit 016 Jean Abayomi, surveyed the outpost over the crest of the hill. The state of the art multi-band photoreceptors that were jer eyes picked out the infra-red signatures of the as-yet unaware inhabitants, the rhythms and variations in strength from the different sources telling jer whether they were organic or mechanical, and jer finely tuned organic brain assessed their threat potential: minimal.

Observing for a further 2 minutes and 5 seconds, je heard a motorised vehicle - tracked, a distinctly mechanical patter, sounds like a tank - and heard something else, too; a single pair of wheels rolling along the dirt road. Must be an artillery piece.

In accordance with jer orders to seek out and clear enemy positions, je advanced over the crest of the hill and was immediately spotted. No matter; the small arms fire of the spooked infantry clattered loudly off jer armoured shell to no avail, and the turret of the tank was turning but Unit 016 already had a lock on it with an anti-armour missile. Je released the missile with the ease of a thought, and was already opening fire with jer repeater arm at the scattered footsoldiers by the time the missile neutralised its target.

As je was finishing off the retreating infantry, out of jer peripheral sensors je saw a lone mechanoid at the artillery piece at jer 9 o'clock position, dragging it around to face jer before unlimbering a shell from the magazine. The mechanoid was working fast to load the shell into the breech but Unit 016 simply rotated jer port shoulder cannon and the artillery piece along with the mechanoid attempting to serve it disappeared in a flash with a smoky orange fireball.

Advancing over what was left, a small crater with twisted pieces of angular metal sticking out of it, Unit 016 reported jer success to jer squadron leader. Je also reported the unfamiliar design of the tank and included recordings from jer exoself to corroborate it. Truly the secessionists were fakes if they had to resort to handouts from our enemies, je thought resuming jer search-patrol pattern...

---

socialistjustin wrote:California Daily

Convoy of Cyborgs Killed Near New Mexico Border

A convoy of Cyborgs were killed near the border with New Mexico. The convoy was carrying crucial medical supplies to a multi species run farm in East Arizona after the farm experienced a devastating dust storm.

President Arnold Justin said at a news conference that "A full investigation will be carried out to determine the killers are. These were peaceful cyborgs carrying medical supplies to a community in need and we will find the people responsible and take whatever action is necessary to make sure this never happens again."

It is not yet known who carried out the attacks, but it is likely that a group sponsored by the Republic of Texas is responsible.

The Republic of Texas and I are ready to accept your proposed Agreement provided you either drop or make amendments to Clause 1.

You proposed Agreement can and will work if we can find a new home for Texas's non-human population. I would suggest that the other nations of North America could be a possible home and shall soon consult them on this important issue.

As you are no doubt aware, relations between Texas and Marispatria have deteriorated recently despite my best efforts to maintain good relations with the wider international and solar community. Texas has even had to suffer threats from Marispatria, including to and up to the threat of war.
I really do now fear for the future, I fear for the Texan people and the wider world.

For the sake of peace, I hope that the both of us can finalise this Agreement and put it to paper as soon as possible. I also urge you, nay I beg you, to consult and talk with Marispatria and to reiterate the point that Texas does not and never does seek war and that the issue of Texas's non-human population can be resolved peacefully and amicably.

I hope that my nation can survive these dark times and despite all of this I would like to thank you for your wisdom and friendship.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Frank the Rabbit wrote:

Pan-Asia World Broadcast

Reporter:Violence in Pakistan has reached breaking point as Pan-Asian soldiers attempt to Dissipate Afghan Terrorist forces in the area, we're live in Lahore 100 miles east of Pakistan capital Faisalabad speaking with Pakistan Minister of internal affairs, Rahjit Deng.

-Starts live Video feed-

Minister Deng, what is the situation like in Pakistan?

Minister Deng:Well, the situation here if far from under control at the moment, Afghan Terrorists have Over-run Pakistan with support of some of the local population and criminal enforcement officers. However, I can say, our troops are in Faisalabad fighting these forces as we speak.

Reporter:What about the claims that Pan-Asian soldiers defected, taking military equipment with them?

Minister Deng: Those rumours are false, no soldier in the Pakistan or any neighbouring province has deserted, I can also say that the armaments used by the Afghan Terrorists, while superior to anything they have the capabilities to produce on the scale they have, is NOT of Pan-Asian design, when more information is known, it will become publicly available.

Reporter:But surely releasing that kind of confidential data could be a security risk?

Minister Deng:It would not be considered confidential data to us. Any group, or country, funding terrorists is a problem not only to us, but to the global community as a whole and as such, this information should be released to save countless lives, Civilian or otherwise.

Reporter:What about Afghanistan, they are the route of this problem, why are our forces focusing on Pakistan and why did Pan-Asian officials not deal with this problem sooner?

Minister Deng:We have been trying to, we felt that Afghanistan should get it's independence if that's what the population wanted and military action was unnecessary, however talks have been slow and now this recent Foreign funded terrorism has forced our hand.

-sounds of close gunfire-

Minister Deng:A small group of terrorists have launched an assault, this interview will have to finish some other time.

-Live Video feed stops-

Reporter:Well, that's the latest from Pakistan Minister Deng, Next a speech from Premier Zhao about the recent Maat Mons war.

-Video starts-

Premier Zhao:The recent armed conflict with Maat Mons Underground City on Venus has sparked a lot of international and interplanetary controversy, This is why I am pleased to announce that Maat Mons will once again be available to people wishing to enter the city, However, as rebuilding has yet to be completed, for now, this shall be limited to only Political envoys and humanitarian groups, this is not only to prove that no atrocities occurred like some would wish to believe but also to help speed up the return to normal life for the Citizens of Maat Mons.

There has also been claims that no Terraformation talks where held with Maat Mons, however, this is the complete opposite, the talks can be verified by Lord Mayor Howard, Deputy Mayor Johns and Elder Dupont of New hope, unfortunately some time shortly after the initial attack of Maat Mons, President Girard and his delegates ended there own lives.

From what our investigators have been able to peace together of incident, is that, while Talks with Girard went well, very little effort was made to inform Citizens of maat mons, as well as defence forces stationed there.

After the terraformation begun, Maat Mons Civilians and Defence forces stationed there Disagree'd with the terraformation, mostly because they were left uninformed or because no choice over terraformation was given to Maat Mons Citizens.

In the past 6 months since resistance died out, Terraformation has been explained to citizens, both positive and negative effects, a poll was held last month showing Maat Mons Citizens in favour of terraformation 83% to 14% with only 3% non-voters.

Pan-Asia will withdraw from Maat Mons as soon as possible, however, we have yet to re-stabilize the city and we would be irresponsible it we left now.

Any Nation or group wishing to enter Maat Mons should file a formal Request and access shall be granted as soon as possible.

-End Video-

Reporter:That was Premier Zhao's speech on the Maat Mons War.

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

To: President of the Democratic Republic of New England, Kristina Caitlin Brody

President of the Axis of Borelia, Max Anyu

President of the Republic of California, Alan Krugman

Central Committee of the Glorious Union of Vancouver

President of the Republic of Greater Quebec

President of the Pacific Union

President of the Confederate States of America

President of the Great Plains Alliance

Dear fellow nations of North America, whilst it gives me great pleasure to talk to my fellow North Americans, the circumstances that move me to make this address are anything but pleasurable.

All of you are aware of the recent Texan military offensive in the CSA state of Alabama. This offensive was a counter-terrorist operation against the forces of the Diversity Union and the LSF. The Diversity Union and the LSF are known terrorist organisations with a long history of naked violence and open hostility towards Texas and the CSA.

* The Diversity Union is currently engaged in a racist extermination campaign in the CSA territories they currently control. Numerous reports have shown this to be a fact. It appears that all organic life, human and non-human (hybrids) are the target of this campaign. The horrors that are currently taking place in the CSA are eerily reminiscent of the former nation of Cambodia during the rule of the Khmer Rogue in the 1970s. Whole civilian populations are being displaced at gunpoint from urban areas and forced to march into the countryside, where most of them end up starving or being worked to death. Independent reports have put the number of CSA civilian casualties at above 300,000. By any measure the Diversity Union and the LSF are engaging in genocide.

* The LSF further added to the instability of the CSA with high profile terrorist attacks such as their assasination of Admiral Amadeus Thomas. In doing this, the LSF attacked both the CSA and Texas.

* The LSF recently carried out the cold blooded murder of four HNP party members and filmed their executions live on the internet. Such actions are those of sadists and barbarians and the LSF have proven themselves to be just that time and time again.

* Over the course of the last decade, the LSF have carried out numerous bombings, assasinations and other acts of terrorism and sabotage in Texas. During the course of the last decade Texas has lost tens of thousands of people at the hands of the LSF, both innocent civilians and members of the Texan Armed Forces.

* Lastly, the LSF have twice tried to kill me. Thankfully on both counts they failed but their intent in clear for all to see. They only seek power through the barrel of a gun and violence is all they know. Democracy and constitutional legality are alien concepts to the LSF.

All of the above points are historical fact and can be confirmed by numerous independent and impartial sources. These sources include civilian witnesses, observers on the ground, the international media, international humanitarian organisations, international charities and human and civil rights organisations.

At no point has Texas or the CSA sought to violate or jeopardise the Maryland Agreement. The Texan military offensive against terrorism in Alabama took place at the request and invitation of the CSA government. The CSA government is a signatory of the Maryland Agreement and all parties who are signatories to the Maryland Agreement thus recognise the CSA government as legitimate and legal one.

Texas has not violated the Maryland Agreement as our military offensive was at the request of a sovereign nation and a signatory of the Maryland Agreement.

With regards to the non-human population of Texas, I am willing to consider and possibly adopt the proposed Agreement put fourth by the South Pacific Alliance and authored by their leader, Arana Harmonic Process. Provided we negotiate the final details of this prosposed Agreement, I am confident that we can move forward quickly and peacefully on this important issue.

Texas is deeply disturbed by the hostile tone that Marispatria has adopted recently. This does raise many questions and these need to be answered if we are to give peace a chance. I promise that I will do my best to work towards defusing the tensions that exist in North America and that I will work flat out towards securing peace for North America and the wider world.

Lastly, I would like to personally thank the nations of New England and Borelia for their stance in upholding the Maryland Agreement and in stating the fact that in no way has the CSA or Texas ever violated the Maryland Agreement.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

To: President of the Republic of California, Arnold Justin

I would like to state that Texas condemns the recent terrorist atrocity in California and that Texas has the deepest sympathies for those who lost their lives and their loved ones in this horrific act. My administration and I are all to familiar with terrorism and the destruction and pain it sows.

I would also like to categorically deny any Texan involvement in this terrorist attack as it has come to my attention that the California Daily sees fit to publish this outrageous claim.

Texas does not support nor does it side with any terrorist organisation either in North America or the wider international and solar community.

I know that history has not been kind to Texan-Californian relations but we should never allow the past to hold us back when the future holds so much promise. I would like to work towards defusing any existing tensions that exist between our two great nations and it is my firm belief that we can work together and serve our mutual interests.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Frank the Rabbit wrote:

-Urgent Broadcast-
-The Pan-Asian Ministery of Foreign affairs-

Minister Hu: I am here today to speak out for our allies, to speak out against atrocities, hypocritical regimes.

For years now, N. America has been at peace, albeit fragile at best, due in part to the Marispatrian intervention and presence there, in recent years however, the Marispatrian political situation has changed and they believe in openly supporting terrorism, whether it has reasons or not, the slaughter of tens of thousands of innocent civilians is not something that can be ignored, let alone endorsed as Marispatria seem intent on doing, whether they are funding The LSF and DU directly or not is not the question here, it's the open vocal support of the Marispatrian leadership and the threats made to The countries involved.

This is an issue I myself have been asked for help with by my allies, however, at the time it was not deemed necessary use of Pan-Asian resources or troops as the countries involved where, and still are, capable of sorting our the internal terrorist problems themselves.

The States involved have no problem with moving the non-human population to other area's without bloodshed, however, the LSF and DU and intent on exterminating the human population within it's controlled area, how can that ever be deemed any more acceptable?
Also Texans reasons for this is not due to hatred but wanting a more simple life, to an extent like the Amish, not wanting to live with technology, but doing it peacefully, that's all that has been asked for here. Would you persecute the Amish for their beliefs?

However,that said, if Marispatria decide to directly involve themselves in an entirely N. American issue against the express wishes of the Maryland agreement signatories, you will not only be risking starting another American war, But a world war too, as we will have no choice but to help our allies.

Now a personal message to Achlys Latona, Chancellor of the Technocratic Union of Marispatria

Consider this message well, your Union was founded on wanting to create peace, yet your actions will lead you down the path of war. Pan-Asia believes all life is important and ANY country, Nation, Territory or Organisation funding terrorist will provoke appropriate act from our Federation.

Frank the Rabbit wrote:

-Office of The Pan-Asian High Council-

To: President of the Republic of Texas, Michael Bauer

Following the Recent development of the LSF, DU terrorism and the support given to them by Marispatria, I offer you any support needed in this affair.

We too have a problem with Foreign funded terrorism, and due to the fact Afghanistan only borders Marispatria, it is believed that they likely (helped) fund and supply the recent terrorist activity we are experiencing now.

While they don the mask of peacekeepers, it is apparent to all who don't blind themselves to the Marispatrian lies, they are looking for war. Hopefully this is a conflict that can be avoided, Premier Zhao's recent speech might force them to reflect upon their actions and realise what they are doing and saying completely rejects the ways that built their union.

Although, only time will tell if all the states within Marispatria itself agree's with these actions and what the true thoughts of the current Chancellors decisions upon the Marispatrian states are, for they are states willingly..

President of The Pan-Asian Federation

Lee Wei

Le Socialiste wrote:Statement from the Marispatrian Chancellery

We feel it necessary to voice our concern over the recent allegations emanating from the Pan-Asian leadership, those which concern possible Marispatrian involvement in the events surrounding the Afghan-Pakistan uprising. Allow me to make our position clear on this matter: the Union has nothing to do with the recent movements in the region, nor will we ever. These are matters best left to the Pan-Asian government and the rebels involved. While we support the aspirations of all beings who profess a love for freedom and compassion, we do not wish to get involved.

Which leads me to my next point: Marispatria would like to enter into talks with the members of the Maryland Agreement in order to diffuse the rise in tensions. Clearly, Marispatria has overstepped its role as a peacekeeping force and has provoked others into a situation they had no prior involvement in. The Union will respect the wishes of the signatories - this has and always will be fact. While we strongly condemn the policies of the CSA and their Texan allies we cannot in good conscience force a resolution. However, this doesn't mean we will resign ourselves to the reality on the ground. Certainly, much remains to be done and the southern leadership must heed these issues. They must take the necessary steps to address them, if we are to move forward.

The issue surrounding the LSF and the DU remain unresolved, however. It remains the belief of the Chancellery that both groups and its members deserve the right and ability to operate (provided they refrain from acts of terrorism and genocide). The policies and anti-non-human attitude of the Texan and Confederate leadership allowed conditions to deteriorate to the point in which such groups could thrive unchecked. This poses a problem that begs closer analysis. We will continue our campaign for greater liberties for all non-human beings residing in the South and still call for greater compassion amongst the southern governments. We still hold out hope that this matter may be resolved amicably, and in following this point the Technocratic Union of Marispatria will formally endorse the proposition put forward by our allies in the South Pacific Alliance.

A final warning to our Pan-Asian neighbors: we do not want further conflict. We do not take threats of violence lightly, and it would be wise if your officials were to check their imperialism at the door before speaking. The Technocratic Union of Marispatira remains committed to the very ideals it was created around, including - but not limited to - the use of peace, compassion, and wisdom to resolve interplanetary conflicts. Our nation hasn't been involved in military campaigns, though one can't say the same for the Pan-Asian imperialists who stormed and conquered the peaceful colony of Maat Mons.

Recently it has come to our attention that the CSA and their Texan flunkies have accused the Legion of the terrible charge of genocide.For this monumental claim they point towards the actions taken at Pipenburg and most recently during the Liberation campaign currently being undertaken in the Confederate States of America.

(They also allege that we have taken part in a forced primitiveization campaign but such charges are false; we, as macro-machines, do not wish to see technology brutalized. Had the Texan authorities not had their heads so far up their asses that it violates their archaic sodomy laws, than they would know this already)

We must defend ourselves with the truth and remind the world that we are a militant neo-socialist faction.We are warriors who violently battle tyranny.We undertake violent action against such states. While engaging in such actions it is to be remembered that civilian casualties are an unfortunate side effect.

Pipenburg certainly had a high number of dead from the many long hours of intense fighting and during the CSA military's final offensive the remainder of the low population was killed (due in part to the CSA deliberately targeting the population centers during bombing).While a tragedy we in the Legion tried our very best to protect the organics with our units.

This is the same defense we offer towards the actions in Alabama and other states still under our control: in war, everyone looses; sometimes the cost is higher than some would like.

At the same time we wish to say this: if the ruling class of Texas wishes to see an end to the violence than here is a wonderful way to prevent it-stop participating in it!"

socialistjustin wrote:To The President Of The Republic Of Texas, Michael Bauer

We thank you for the concern shown to the dead of this vicious attack. While we understand the outrage you showed at being implicated in the attack, you must understand that we have a bloody history and it happened near the New Mexico border and the kicker is that the convoy was killed delivering supplies to a multi species farm. I understand why our media would be so quick to judge. Early reports suggest you might not have anything to do with it, but once the full investigation is started and concluded we will let you know the results. Know this, if you are involved we will take action.

Signed,

Arnold Justin, PresidentRepublic of California

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

To: Chancellor of the Technocratic Union of Marispatria, Achlys Latona

I am pleased to see that Marispatria has changed course with regards to it's foreign policy stance on the situation in North America. In the interests of maintaining peace and as I do not wish to inflame tensions further, I am not going to respond to the more outrageous claims and insults that have been made against my administration and Texas. Suffice to say they are no true.

I do believe that one major contributing factor in the recent deterioration of Texan-Marispatrian relations has been the lack of a clear and effective channel of communication. Wars and hostilities often start when communication breaks down.

So in the interests of peace I shall communicate the official position of Texas and my administration in a clear and direct manner:

* The LSF and Diversity Union both pose a national security and an existential threat to the CSA and Texas and their peoples. Under no circumstances can Texas allow for the LSF or Diversity Union to take power in the CSA. Should that ever appear to be the case, Texas will not hesitate to militarily intervene in the CSA.

* Texas is wholly opposed to any proposal that would see Marispatrian military forces deployed to the CSA. Again this is a matter of prinicple, should Marispatria in any way intervene with military force in the CSA then Texas will automatically be in a state of war with Marispatria.

* The recent Texan military offensive in Alabama was perfectly legal and at no time did it violate either the letter or spirit of the Maryland Agreement. The other nations of North America have all supported the Texan view with regards to this matter.

* Texas has recently communicated it's desire to work with the South Pacific Alliance and it's proposed Agreement to solve the outstanding racial issues.

I hope that from this point we can work out our differences and establish a mechanism by which the interests of both our nations can be meet in a mutually amicable manner.

"Our allies said that within the coming months they would ship to us some high grade arms,with these our move back into Alabama will be thunderous!"

"Yes,but what about the Texans and their threat to intervene if we seize power?"

"Pointless jabber comrade,if they attack our land than they will be dealt with tenfold....that I promise you."

*Chatter abruptly ends*

Le Socialiste wrote:President Michael Bauer,

While we have no intention of forcing the CSA or Texas into conflict with our peacekeeping operations, we must stand by our previous statements concerning your nations' inability to move beyond human supremacism. This is an issue Marispatria will continue fighting.

While we have condemned the actions taken by the LSF and its Diversity Union allies in the past, we remain of the belief that these organizations play an important role in providing safety and security from the abuse made by your government(s) of non-human life forms. Theirs is an important part in maintaining some semblance of peace for the oppressed - and they are oppressed.

We do not wish to force your hand through militaristic means (we simply have no interest in it). We're not seeking regime change, only a shift in national policy. This will be pursued through the proper diplomatic channels, I assure you. To ensure this, I propose a pact of non-aggression between Marispatria, Texas, and the Confederate States of America. Neither nation shall take an aggressive stance against the other signatories of this agreement.

I would urge you and the Confederacy to sign it, as an assurance of every nation's commitment to finding a peaceful solution to this situation.

The Proxima Centauri system is centred around a small red dwarf star 4.22 light years from Sol - a stone's throw in galactic terms, but a years-long journey even with the latest revolutionary technology. The Sparrow probe sent by the Eco-Technate of Australia has confirmed that the Proxima system, like Sol, possesses an Oort Cloud of dormant cometary nuclei, although one apparently more depleted due to long-term gravitational interactions with the nearby Alpha Centauri binary system. As it turns out, being a dwarf star turns out to present no problems for planetary formation, possessing as it does no less than 17 planets.

Mather wrote:Reuters News Bulletin

Anarchism comes to Texas

Several thousand Texans gathered at the conference hall of the Astoria Hotel earlier today for the founding of the Texan Anarchist Federation. For the first time in Texan history, a multi-species political movement has emerged as the TAF count humans, mechanoids and hybrids amongst their members.

According to some members we spoke to earlier, TAF is a class based anarchist-communist organisation that seeks to become a mass movement for social revolution in Texas. The meeting saw most people speak as TAF does not have a formal leadership structure but operates on a system of internal direct democracy. For the most part members debated on issues relating to the structure and ideology of TAF and agreed that the equality of all sapient species and the overthrow of capitalism and human supremacism were to be their priorities.

At the end of the conference, TAF members elected James Darmody to be their spokesperson.

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:"We in SPOD reach out a hand in friendship to our new brethren and ponder whether an alliance might be formed in order to better our descendant society?"

Kamos wrote:"...and it is with great pleasure that I may announce: these planets are very promising indeed. Of the 17 planets, the vast majority is either suitable for settlement or holds something valuable that's worth going for. The Council has come to the decision that a massive extrasolar colonising torchship is to be constructed in the next years, which will then head to the planet Bester to set up a research station and the facilities needed to establish a firm presence in the system. For this, we are naturally going to need volunteers, who are going to be the settlers of the planet and, most likely, the first beings from our system to land on it too. For further information, be sure to..."

-excerpt from Arthur Sandberg's speech on the Sparrow's findings

Frank the Rabbit wrote:

-World broadcast speech-

Announcer: And now, a speech from the President addressing the global terror situation!

President Wei: For years now, we have been trying to broker a peace between ourselves and the terrorist rebels of Afghanistan, However, many Countries, territories, organisations and political groups have turned more to terrorism for self gain.

It is unacceptable to believe or allow others to believe terrorist activity is a reasonable means to any achievement and when it is civilian lives that are attacked, people that can not defend themselves, being killed by foreign funded terrorist militia's, then we can not stand by and allow it continue.

That is why,after 3 months of carefully collecting information gained from terrorist strongholds, -looks at watch-, 7 minutes and 47 seconds ago, I ordered the start of operation: Flaming dragon, The invasion of the terrorist funding Australia.

The evidence we have collected proves, beyond any doubt, that Australia funded the slaughter of over 17,000 pakistani civilians as well as 1,200 civilians in cities bordering Pakistan.

We can not allow ANYONE to believe funding terrorism, that kills thousands of innocent civilians can be permitted, We need to send a message to any other government or group across the solar system;

We will not allow the loss of innocent lives through terrorist acts, we will fight not only the terrorists, but those that fund them too.

We hope to avoid pointless bloodshed over this and hope that any other nation that feels the need to involve themselves in a Pan-Asian issue, should review the evidence, that is freely available, then re-consider whether you side with Terrorism or not.

The Pan-Asian declaration of war upon Australia has had a devastating effect on the citizens of the island; panic struck the Eco-Technate of Australia in the first hours after the news became official. The Australians aren't used to war, as they haven't experienced it in many decades; not since 2079 has Australia been in armed conflict with any foreign power. It is understandable, therefore, that the confused citizens do not know what to do. Luckily, however, the government reacted quickly. After declaring national emergency, Chief of Defense Olga Morozov quickly gave orders to the military to restore order and prepare to defend the island. In addition, despite being at a state of war, Chief of Technological Development Sandberg has confirmed that the construction of the interstellar torchship will continue as long as Australia has the means to do so. Director Wei Mu-sheng then gave a speech to ensure that all Australians know what is going to happen:
"My people! The Pan-Asian Federation attacked us claiming that we supported Afghani sepatarists in their territory. This I do not deny! You may naturally feel betrayed - after all, this has been done covertly - but I ask you: were we not justified to do so? The Pan-Asians are the biggest threat to international stability today. They oppress their own people as readily as foreign countries. They must be stopped! While others may prefer to talk of "peaceful solutions", sitting on the fence and hoping they wouldn't be next, the Council has recognised that someone needs to stand up to the menace the Federation poses. They speak of terrorism - we speak of national liberation, which the Afghanis deserve, as well as the natives of Bangladesh and all the other provinces that desire it! We are not driven by imperialism like they are, we do not want to conquer foreign lands merely to enrich our own dominions. What we demand is that Pan-Asia withdraws from all the oppressed territories under its jackboot, pay reparations to all those peoples to whom it caused damage, and ensure that all those who want to separate from the Federation have the means to do so. Until this is not done, we shall not stop either!"
Although order has now been restored and most citizens have accepted the situation, some NeoSocialist sympathizants are calling for an immediate end to the war at all costs, saying, "Our government has brought trouble upon Australia without even letting us know about it, and is even the aggressor! What business does Australia have in South Asia? And the worst thing is that they had the means to do so! This is a disgrace to all the principles of Extropianism - and showcases the failure of their corrupt system!"

Red Commissar wrote:==Office of the President of the PRGC==

My fellow citizens, workers, we are nearing what seems to be a conclusion to the Cameroon Pact's hostility towards our brothers and sisters in the Free Congo. They have realized the futility of their actions and have withdrawn both their blockade and walkers from the Free Congo. The country is free, though the Cameroon Pact still does not acknowledge the results of the referendum nor the Free Congo's decision to secede.

However the PRGC appreciates this withdrawal by the Cameroon Pact and accordingly we will order the navy to return to its ports and have our military stand down.

What remains is the final objective- the unification of the Free Congo with the Greater Congo. This has been the demand of the people of the Free Congo all along, and we shall acknowledge their request to enter into our union as a constituent republic. In the coming days, President Leclerk and myself will hold meetings regarding how to unify our countries. Finally, the Congo shall be one, and the heart of Africa a strong bastion of Neosocialism.

Again, as I must emphasize again and again, I am not interested in conflict in Africa. We have seen enough of that in our lands from the past. I have no interest in the Cameroon Pact's further activities so long as they acknowledge the destiny of the Free Congo, so they are free to waste their resources as far as I'm concerned to isolate themselves from the rest of the intergalactic community.

We are constructing a Space Elevator as our residents in Kisangani have noticed. We are on track to finish the project within five years, which will become a necessary tool for our country's first steps in to space colonization. The location of our space elevator on the equator is very beneficial to us and it will ensure the success of this endeavor compared to existing space elevators or those yet to come. For too long has the people of Africa been denied what the rest of the world has taken for granted. The Congolese Space Program is analyzing our possibilities and where our future may best lie. We shall turn our attention upwards.

This will be my final message to you, the people. I have finished the second term of my long presidency, and in May the Party Congress of the Congolese Socialist Union will be held to determine the future direction of our country. I remind all workers to be sure to cast a vote for their delegates from their council to attend this meeting. This will determine our political structure in this important crossroads of our nation, as we near unification of the Greater Congo and turn our attention to space.

President Malcolm Lumumba

TheGodlessUtopian wrote:"The imperialists actions of the Pan-Asian Federation have more than proven themselves to be what the entire nation aspires to: conquest.The Federation bombed and declared war against this peaceful land,and why? Because according to the warmongers the Echo-Technate has given supplies to Afghan separatists?They have no proof but to be honest even if such was the case than this would be an honorable war to do battle;freedom is obviously something the Federation does not understand,so in a gesture of solidarity with our Afghan and Australian comrades we in the Legion have ordered our international units within the federation to car bomb several police stations surrounding the capital..." -LSF spokesmen on the eve of the Federation invasion.

Mather wrote:

TOP SECRET

To: President of the Republic of Texas, Michael Bauer

Mr. President, we are pleased to inform you of the successful completion of Project Death Ray.

Our efforts in weaponising the alien artifact from the Daemon System have also proven to be a success. It appears that the artifact we found on the moon of United is an artificial intelligence built hundreds of millions of years ago, possibly even billions years ago. The AI is programmed to serve whoever comes across it next and Texas is extremely fortunate in that this AI now serves us. The AI appears to be built into the very fabric of space and time, this is a wholly alien technology and it increases the power of any weapon it is bound to by manipulating the very fabric of the universe.

In combining this AI with our Death Ray superweapon, our Death Ray's destructive power has been increased a hundred fold, giving us a weapon that is unmatched in it's power. At full power, the Death Ray can destroy a surface area or an extra-planetry body up to 250 miles in diameter.

The Death Ray will cost us a thousands units of energy per shot and can only be used five times per year due to the massive levels of energy needed to power the superweapon.

Director of the Texan Space Agency

Dr. Arnold Toht

Governor of the Colony of Olympus Mons

General David Wilson

Red Commissar wrote:*From an independent paper in the PGRC, Underground*

What the government was hiding from you about the Madverts
By Nicolas Nzuzi

It was nearly 15 years ago the Congo encountered the Madverts. Since then they have been an unfortunate plague in our lands, though admittedly less fierce than they were in their first five years of existence. It is a source of contention for our government, an embarrassing reminder to them that their attempts to create a socialist order in a sea of capitalism has utterly failed. But our readership is familiar with the capitulation of our government to nationalism, away from internationalism.

Why do I want to speak about this? Why now?

The Underground has acquired information the government has long since hidden. An informant who shall be unnamed for his safety. This relates to the Madvert problem, one that the government-backed media has particularly ignored for a long time now. We all remember when the Madverts began making strange 'migrations' towards the ports in cities like Dar es Salaam and Mombasa, clogging up ships, mostly those destined towards the Pan-Asian Federation.

Investigations opened up by the government found the entry of illegal agents entering into our territory with the intent to 'reprogram' the Madverts. They would land along the Pacific coastline and make their way to the border with the Khartoum Confederation, and utilizing hidden beacons were able to essentially 'coral' the Madverts and direct them along their way to the boats targeted to the Pan-Asian Federation.

Our informant tells us nothing more came of this investigation. President Lumumba, in his infinite wisdom, got carried off with acts of aggression towards the Malagasy Nanotopia and later the Cameroon Pact, with little attention on this problem. Now as he leaves office it is still unresolved.

This leaves us with many questions. First off, why was the government afraid to approach the Pan-Asian Federation with demands for an explanation for this illegal entry into the Republic? It has been nearly 7 or eight years since this report's filing in the Ministry of Intelligence, laid untouched beyond an acknowledgement that President Lumumba did in fact read it. Of course the Pan-Asian Federation would have the ability of plausible deniability here, which it would undoubtedly use if pressed. As far as we can tell the government did seal the maritime coastline to illegal entry, and yet the Madverts continued on their way for a number of years. Attempts to 'reprogram' them would fail time and time again.

It would introduce a possible problem for President Lumumba's choice of aid. Where he is now (or rather was, good riddance) seeking aid from the Marispatrian-dominated corpse of the ICR, he had initially turned to the Pan-Asian Federation for aid against these machines. And it would seem that the Pan-Asian Federation had a... less than noble intent when attempting to design the virus.

Such a blatant infringement on the sovereignty of the Congo and Africa, and yet our esteemed (former) President never took it to the stage. He pronounces the superiority of Neosocialism and our successes, yet never seemed sure of it enough to assert our sovereignty here! Now the Pan-Asian Federation invades the people of Australia, citing the need to defend itself against that entity's interference in its affairs. And yet what we see here is, or rather was, an interference in the Congo's affairs for years! But we shouldn't think to question our esteemed leaders' choices, even as he drives this country into a shoddy populist, nationalist orientation.

But we can't expect backbone from the careerist and opportunist mess that was Malcolm Lumumba, or the rest of the Travailleurs faction within the Congolese Socialist Union. Let us end on that note readers- be wary of attempts by Travailleurs-affiliated workers in your factories, schools, logging, where ever- to get you to vote for a deputy that would merely see us receive more years of this manipulative Travailleurs handling of our nation. One that sees us pursue an increasingly self-centered and continued persistence of a state in this 'Neo-Socialist' paradise.

Editor's Note: Due to the government's expected attempts to indirectly curtail distribution of this issue, we shall ask our readers to share this among your workplace, friends, and family. Do not be intimidated by the Travailleurs thugs- this is a right you enjoy in the Republic.

Le Socialiste wrote:Statement from the Press Office of Chancellor Latona

The Chancellor will be giving an address to the nation and interplanetary community tomorrow evening. Chancellor Latona will be speaking on the recent invasion of Australia and the implications of Pan-Asia's actions.

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

The Republic of Texas is deeply concerned with regards to the developing situation in South East Asia. The recent Pan-Asian assualt against Australia has the potential to escalate into a wider war, one I fear that could even assume global and solar proportions. It is my express hope that my fears are unfounded for the alternatives do not bear thinking about. A global war would be a horrific tragedy as well as a tragic failure of diplomacy and the good efforts of all of those who strive for peace.

This situation is further complicated by it's causes. One the one side we have Pan-Asia, who have suffered from a state sponsored insurgency in the regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is now known that this insurgency has been supported and sponsored by Australia, as they themselves have admitted. One the other side we have Pan-Asia's invasion of a sovereign nation and it's blockade of Australia, a move some in the international community might find overly aggressive and a overreaction to a legimate grievance.

It is now clear that both Pan-Asia and Australia have suffered and that they both hold a legitimate grievance and complaint against the other. Any peaceful and diplomatic solution that can and must be reached to resolve this situation must take into account the grievances of both sides and to hold both sides to account for their actions. A diplomatic effort by the international and solar community is now needed, this effort needs to speak with one voice in calling for the cessation of all hostilities and the preservation of peace. This diplomatic effort must also take both sides and their grievances into account and that such an effort will right the wrongs each side has suffered.

My administration and I are ready to assist and support any diplomatic efforts that seek to avert war and ensures that the legitimate grievances of each side are addressed fully.

In these troubled times I would also like to reiterate that Texas supports and shall continue to adhere to the Maryland Agreement, this Agreement has given North America a peace that has now held for twenty five years.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Kamos wrote:Communique by the Technocratic Council of Australia

We have heard of Texas' offer to mediate between us and our enemies in the Pan-Asian Federation. While we are glad that someone sees the merit of peace, we are also skeptical whether such a resolution, at this given time, is realistic. Pan-Asia is the aggressor here; they have not only caused damage to our country with their sneak attack, but they have also wronged the Afghani people and several more peoples. The Federation absolutely needs to pay reparations to all of these victims before peace could be achieved. Any peace offer that does not take this into account will bring no justice.

Wei Mu-sheng
Director of the Eco-Technate of Australia

Le Socialiste wrote:Chancellor Latona’s address to the people of Marispatria and the wider Solar System

It is with great sorrow that I appear before this special convening tonight. As you all know, the Eco-Technate has been under attack by the Pan-Asian Federation. The aggressor not only invades the sovereignty of our allies, but lays siege to the very principles of Extropianism itself. They pose a far greater threat to interplanetary relations and stability than first suspected. My friends and dearest colleagues, ours is a decision of action.

Tonight we must decide upon a proper course in order to contain the Pan-Asian threat and its contribution to global instability. They silence domestic dissent and discourse with a heavy hand whilst stripping others of their sovereignty. This cannot stand! For years, the Union has sought the preservation of peace; now, we find that dream shattered by Federation imperialism. The world’s peace stands on sand – one tremor will send it crashing down into the abyss. For what, may I ask? So that the power-mad may reclaim the tarnished glory of yesteryear? I say to those who seek the unnecessary: no!

Never again shall the contributions to society be made at gunpoint for the enrichment of a few. Marispatria will not stand to see the solar system plunged into chaos while the world sits idly by.

Our answer lies not in military ventures, this much is true. Global stability will not be restored through further bloodshed. I appeal to the Federation: return to your lands. Forego the urge to make war and focus on the wellbeing of your citizens. They languish beneath a heavy yoke. The daily misery they face is unjust, and must be remedied. Your reliance on your military will be your undoing – for at the end of the day it is your people who decide the fate of the country. They have dwelled beneath the boot of the bureaucrat long enough and will inevitably make their displeasure known.

Your enemy doesn’t lie beyond your tragic shores; it stirs within your government’s halls. Listen to the voice of reason, for it speaks the truth. Abandon adventurism and return the lands you took to their rightful owners. I call on the Pan-Asian leadership to abandon its conquests on Earth and abroad. The Chancellery does not take kindly to acts of blatant imperialism and a disregard for human and being rights. We remain steadfast allies in the pursuit of justice and personal liberation from doubt’s oppressiveness. The people of Marispatria, together with the followers of Extropianism, have ever stood in solidarity with the solar system’s oppressed – and we stand by this commitment today.

To our allies and neighbors in this world and beyond: do not sit in silence. Do not stand idle while the world stares in the face of chaos. Our instability will affect you as well; no one remains immune. I call on the greater interplanetary community to condemn Federation imperialism, to take a stand on the right side of history. Do not fall victim to calls for a false peace, these only serve to divide the solar system against itself and do not offer up true promises for stability. Our aim is a world rid of warfare and the loss of life to the whims of dictators. We must secure a lasting peace so that future generations may thrive, free of oppression and doubt.

We stand on the precipice of change; will we answer the call? It is with great humility that I present Earth’s future to the whole of man and beingkind, and make the plea for greater stability and peace. To meet this end, I suggest the formation of a grand coalition of willing nations, colonies, and planets to counter the rise of militarism and tyranny. We will stand as one body, one voice, against the forces of aggression. I call on all responsible beings and life forms to enter into one Union, formalized by our acknowledgement of the need for unity in these trying times.

People of Marispatria and the greater community: stand together against Federation tyranny! Rally to the cause of liberation and peace! For a greater, stronger Union!

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

To: Director of the Eco-Technate of Australia, Wei Mu-sheng

I would like to state that my efforts to establish a diplomatic and peaceful resolution to this crisis must not be partial to either side if such efforts are to bring both sides to the table.

Of course, I am fully aware that your country is currently subject to a Pan-Asian invasion and that this assault has cost the lives of many Australian soldiers and innocent civilians. I, along with the rest of the international and solar community, do believe that Pan-Asia's invasion of your country to be wholly wrong and we all hope that Pan-Asia shows goodwill in withdrawing it's military forces from Australia at once.

But this is where I have to be impartial. Australia and your government have been supporting and sponsoring the insurgency in the Pan-Asian regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is a gross violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pan-Asia, not to mention being illegal under international law and convention. Just as Australia has lost many lives to the Pan-Asian invasion, so too has Pan-Asia as it suffers from insurgency and rebellion. You must of realised that if Pan-Asia ever became aware of your support for the Afghan insurgency, that they would respond in some manner or other? Of course the manner by which they did respond in invading your country is wholly unacceptable but that does not detract from the fact that your government made Australia a target to a Pan-Asian response via it's policy of sponsoring civil war within Pan-Asia.

In trying to establish a diplomatic and peaceful resolution to this crisis, I am not in a position to publicly and officially point fingers and lay blame upon either side. All that matters now is to avert the possibility of a wider war and to establish a lasting peace in South East Asia. I stand by what I said in my last public address in that both sides have legitimate grievances against the other and that any lasting peace can only be meet if both sides are listened to and if both sides have their legitimate grievances accounted for.

To that end I propose the following as a basic guidline to any possible peace agreement between Australia and Pan-Asia:

* The immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities by both sides.

* The immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Pan-Asian military forces from Australian territory and the immediate cessation of the Pan-Asian blockade against Australia.

* That Australia immediately cease all support, both public and covert, to the insurgency in the Pan-Asian regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan and that Australia from now on will not interfere in the internal affairs of Pan-Asia.

* That the international and solar community establish a regime of inspection on all international shipping and air traffic from Australia, to ensure that Australia is in compliance in ceasing it's support for the insurgency in the Pan-Asian regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

* That Pan-Asia work towards reforming the structure of it's local government and to devolve more power to each of it's constituent regions. In doing this, Pan-Asia may at last be at peace and not have to suffer rebellion and instability.

Please note that these guidlines a mere suggestions, should you wish to add anything or if you dispute any of the points I have made, by all means let me know.

It is the hope of the Texan people and myself that Australia and Pan-Asia can agree to resolve their differences and find peace.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

BREAKING NEWS

After accepting a petition from the citizens of the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, the Confederate government granted a referendum in the two states regarding their entry into the Republic of Texas.

The preliminary results are in, and it looks like a landslide victory in both states in favour of joining Texas, with over 67.5 percent of ballots so far favouring that option.

Already reports are coming in of attacks by LSF and DU militants, presumed to be a response to the results, mainly concentrated in Virginia and North Carolina.

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

The Republic of Texas and I accept with great pleasure the results of the referendums in the CSA states of Louisiana and Mississippi. In making their voices heard the people of Louisiana and Mississippi have expressed their desire to join our Republic and become fellow Texans.

I would like to thank the CSA government for respecting the democratic process and the will of the people on this matter. The Republic and I look forward to working with the CSA on the coming transfer of sovereignty of the states of Louisiana and Mississippi.

The transfer of sovereignty shall take effect on the 31st of December, 2115.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Kamos wrote:To: President of the Republic of Texas Michael Bauer

You speak of a peace resolution that is impartial and takes the grievances of both sides into account, yet fail to do so utterly. Not only does your proposal impose laughable terms upon Pan-Asia (who will thus get away with their invasion unpunished) but you also forget about the oppressed peoples of the federation. A vague promise that may or may not be kept is not enough; the Afghani people do not want the Pan-Asian government to care more about them, they want full independence, and right away. A people's right to their own nation should never be denied from them; should we accept this, all that will follow is more conquest. Would you not think likewise if your nation were under foreign occupation?

Nay; a mere status quo ante will not do. Australia has worked towards upholding the enlightened principles of Extropianism and opposing imperialists wherever they are. Pan-Asia has worked towards driving half the world under its banner. A just peace is not the same as a white peace, and as we have learned from many earlier wars, a peace that only sets the stage for further conflict is worth nothing.

As you are no doubt well aware, the worrying and ongoing situation in South East Asia is a cause of great concern for the international and solar community. The potential for this situation to develop into a wider war is very real and must be addressed.

In my last letter to the Australian Director Wei Mu-sheng, I offered a basic outline for a possible peaceful and diplomatic solution to this crisis:

* The immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities by both sides.

* The immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Pan-Asian military forces from Australian territory and the immediate cessation of the Pan-Asian blockade against Australia.

* That Australia immediately cease all support, both public and covert, to the insurgency in the Pan-Asian regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan and that Australia from now on will not interfere in the internal affairs of Pan-Asia.

* That the international and solar community establish a regime of inspection on all international shipping and air traffic from Australia, to ensure that Australia is in compliance in ceasing it's support for the insurgency in the Pan-Asian regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

* That Pan-Asia work towards reforming the structure of it's local government and to devolve more power to each of it's constituent regions. In doing this, Pan-Asia may at last be at peace and not have to suffer rebellion and instability.

In the interests of preserving peace in South East Asia and the wider world, I urge you to involve yourself and the South Pacific Alliance in these efforts to establish a peaceful and diplomatic solution to this situation. As the South Pacific Alliance is a member of the Extropian alliance of nations, I strongly believe that your nation is well placed to act in a constructive manner in approaching both Australia and Marispatria with my proposals for peace and all other international efforts to avert war.

I sincerely believe that by working together, the nations of the world can avert a wider war and deliver peace in our time.

President of the Republic of Texas

Michael Bauer

Mather wrote:

Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Texas

To: Director of the Eco-Technate of Australia, Wei Mu-sheng

With regards to the internal affairs of Pan-Asia, I will say this. The Republic of Texas and my administration strictly adheres to a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations, unless those affairs impact or otherwise cause harm to Texas.

Whatever one may think of the government of Pan-Asia and it's policies, it is not the proper place of other nations or individuals to involve themselves in it's internal affairs. At present Texas does not have any diplomatic relations with the Afghan insurgents and thus Texas recognises both Afghanistan and Pakistan as constituent parts of Pan-Asia. I hope that you can understand that it is not my place to lecture Pan-Asia on the composition of it's territorial status, that is as far as I am concerned an internal matter for the Pan-Asian government to deal with and nobody else.

Any possible peace proposal can only focus on two points:

* The support and sponsorship of the Afghan insurgency by the government of Australia, which violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pan-Asia.

* The subsequent Pan-Asian retaliation in the form of it's invasion and blockade of Australia, which again is a violation of your nations sovereignty and territorial integrity.

To bring in other matters such as the Afghan insurgency, will only complicate any efforts to resolve this crisis peacefully and diplomatically.

You must realise that simply blaming Pan-Asia for everything whilst denying that your actions are what gave Pan-Asia their motive to attack you, is wholly unrealistic. If I were to accept what you said in your letter, what incentive is there for Pan-Asia to accept my efforts towards peace? If they are to be blamed for everything and their legitimate grievances against you ignored, then they have no incentive to come to the table either.

I am sorry, but you cannot exploit my efforts for peace to impose your Afghanistan policy on everyone else. My efforts are solely designed to cease the conflict that exists between Australia and Pan-Asia and to avert a wider war, nothing more.

For the sake of your own nation and the future of your own people, I urge you to work towards peace and not let ideological dogmatism get in the way of that noble goal.

I gotta say, I like how it feels like a slightly different world, although with the fall of the Pan-Asian Federation I suppose it really is a different world, at least geopolitically. There's also a lot of what I would call Early Installment Weirdness.